Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Alexander-Sykes.
Hi Jacqueline, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Los Angeles. Went to San Jose State University as an Art History, Studio Art and Black Studies graduate. My college roommate, Janet Alston-Jackson introduced me to St. Elmo Village and Roderick Sykes in 1979. I visited the Village for the Annual Festival of Creative Survival in May of 1979. The Village was such a special creative place that I felt a real connection to the work, the place and Roderick Sykes. Roderick and his Uncle Rozzell co-founder St. Elmo Village in 1969 to be a place of creativity for all.
In October of 1979, I moved from San Jose to be a part of St. Elmo Village and Roderick Sykes. Roderick and I are both artists and he helped me to see that creativity is a way of life. Roderick and I were together as partners, friends and collaborators for 42 years until his passing in 2021 of Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia. I have committed to continuing the community, creative and special work of being the voice and caretaker of this special place, St. Elmo Village.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road for any process is never as smooth a we wish it to be. With that said, the struggles that come with our dreams are usually a learning process.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a visual artist, I have worked in acrylic painting, photography, and assemblage art. I have a bachelor’s degree in Art History and Black Studies from San Jose State. Graduating from college was a very proud accomplishment for me and my family. Finishing college gave me the confidence of being able to go through any process and get to the finish line.
I have created art for several public art commissions in Los Angeles as well as some private murals. Creativity is my way of being.
Living and working at St. Elmo Village, first as a volunteer and children’s art workshop instructor, administrator and now as Director has been another dream come true. Living, working, and Marrying Roderick Sykes for 42 years has also been something I’m very proud of.
I feel we all have things that set us apart, not sure of what that would be for me.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Moving from San Jose to Los Angeles when I met Roderick in 1979 was a risk of some sort. I had only known Roderick for six months before leaving my job in San Jose in hopes of working and being a part of St. Elmo Village. I didn’t think of it as risky at the time, I felt that it was an adventure that I was called to take.
I feel that there are many times when we need to step into spaces in order to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stelmovillage.org
Image Credits
April Tarlow, Photographer
