Today we’d like to introduce you to Joce Aucoin.
Hi Joce, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Yeah hi, my name is Joce. I like to make things: art, poems, zines. In the early days, it was friendship bracelets and scrunchies. I was into sewing for a bit. I’ve always been a letter writer, embellishing envelopes with artwork. In college, I studied literature but took a detour into Art History. I found I’d rather study works of art than works of literature. After college, I landed in the music industry and then went on to co-run an indie record label, Lujo Records. My partner and I released close to 100 albums over the course of ten years. I loved working alongside artists — that was always a no-brainer for me and a place I felt really fulfilled. Considering myself an artist, however? That was another story! Claiming my identity as an artist has been a long process of self-discovery — or really self-rediscovery. About five years ago I moved from the Bay Area to Ojai, CA. In that time, I’ve been letting myself sink more deeply into my artist self on a conscious level. I’m so grateful to get to give my own creative practice some love and attention. It feels scary and also like a homecoming. And I still love partnering with other creatives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A lot of people talk about finding your voice as an artist. That’s never been a point of struggle for me. For me, the hardest part has been trusting my voice. I think we all have a voice – ready to go, right there! We don’t need to find it. It’s there! And it gets refined and louder over time, but it’s not something you have to find. You have it. The thing is? You have to trust it. You know because any creative life requires risk. And of course, there are failures. I’ve struggled to find my way at times. I’ve made wrong turns – many of them involving life balance and the difficulty of living a creative life in a capitalist society. But getting lost is how we learn and having challenges is how we grow. It’s how we get places, it’s how we move from point A to point B. If you can travel through the valleys with your voice in tact, that’s it. You’ve done it. You’re doing it. You’ll make it to the next peak.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Recently a friend referred to me as a “purple unicorn” or something to that effect because I’m a writer and a visual artist. I guess it’s an unusual combination? I don’t know. Most creatives I know have more than one creative practice. I’m most known these days for my collage art, but I’ve also made comics, zines, poems, and I often work with clients on creative services like copywriting and branding. I’m also big into community. During the pandemic, I launched an online community called Ojai Creatives. My goal was to help the creatives in Ojai feel more connected and known. We’re doing meets up in real life now – yay! Whatever I’m doing, it’s all creative expression that comes from the heart. I’m really proud of my fearlessness. I’m not afraid of working in different disciplines in my art, taking risks and sticking my neck out for people or ideas I believe in. You know, the world will try to brand you. They want you to stay in your lane. They want you to be one thing because that “makes sense”. But as creatives, we’re not here to make sense, we’re here to make waves! Amen??
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’m grateful to have had many cheerleaders over the years. My partner, Erik, is my number one fanboy and has been behind me every step of the way. My daughter, Tuesday, too. She’s 13 and does not mince words. God bless Gen Z! We all need that realness! I’ve been fortunate to form friendships and bonds with local artists Mary Neville, Emily Thomas and Marie McKenzie. I’m so grateful for what they’ve taught me and how they show up as artists in the world. Also, Emily Couey and Ali Schultz are two movers and shakers I really admire and have been lucky enough to call clients and, moreover, friends. It would be remiss of me not to say that I’m also grateful for the lack of support I’ve felt as times as that lack has acted as an unlikely catalyst and taught me the importance of having support and a deep appreciation for those who support me.
Contact Info:
- Website: joceaucoin.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/joceaucoin
Image Credits
All images: Britt Bloom Photography
