Jac Alva shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Jac, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Creating art for oneself is such an intimate act. I find that whether it’s painting or collaging, the time spent experimenting, mixing, and applying to the canvas forces me to slow down and surrender to introspection. In this meditative state of being, I definitely lose track of time. But, when I see what I’ve produced onto the canvas, even if it’s mid-process, I feel validated. It’s liberating to have my thoughts and sentiments transmuted onto a platform for others to see.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a multi-hyphenate creative within the field of visual arts. I’m an abstract and mixed media artist, working with acrylic materials and discarded items, upcycling them into artworks. Moreover, I am the founder of Healing He(art) with Jac Alva Art, an arts education program for all ages. Healing He(art) with Jac Alva Art creates unique art lessons that encourage critical thinking and diverse project outcomes. My goal is to empower students with an open-ended approach to artmaking. In addition, my creative pursuits extend beyond studio art, particularly as an independent curator, and researcher in the academic field of art history.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Even at a young age, I have always identified as an artist. The methods, techniques, and materials may have changed over the years, but the need to create has remained a constant.
Creativity is inseparable from my identity. I really can’t imagine life without making art, in whatever capacity that may be. The world often reinforces social mores, behaviors, and attitudes that dismiss artists, but that has not stopped me from creating, and teaching others how to develop their own artistic style.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
During the creative process, I frequently find myself constantly changing my mind. Sometimes I choose an unusual color, a different brush, or apply a brazen stroke across the canvas. Each micro decision is important, as it builds upon the final outlook of the artwork, and, consequently, impacts how viewers see you as an artist.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Creativity is not only a trait embedded in my identity, but it’s also something I encourage others to find within themselves. I believe that’s why I enjoy teaching art to students of all ages. It’s never too early or late to cultivate one’s artistic potential.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Sometimes, life demands my attention in different areas. Thus, I may not have the opportunity to paint all the time, but when I do, I firmly believe that I am speaking my truth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jacalvaart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacalvaart?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Photographs by Stephanie Pratt
