Today we’d like to introduce you to Alaska Jackson.
Hi Alaska, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“Don’t compromise yourself. You’re all you’ve got.”
– Janis Joplin
Hi. I am Alaska from Alaska….I lived a quick couple years in Vegas and ended up in Los Angeles to study acting at a performing arts academy.
Like most artists, the journey has been crayyy….it’s opened up in unexpected ways. Some great, some brutal. Over some time, other creative languages found me: music/poetry, narration, and photography.
I am a Activist-Artist first and foremost.
Everything I do, is in service to something bigger than me.
I believe artists are healers, and that we carry the most accessible universal language for all to connect and overcome any differences. I’ve always gravitated toward projects that make people feel seen, especially those who don’t often see themselves on stage, screen or in pieces of music.
Im a biracial, queer, woman of color, My upbringing, the struggles, and experiences I have endured I think gave me a unique viewpoint on the world…. in turn is my greatest gift….coming from humble beginnings allows one to see people eye to eye and hold space.
The work I do, across all mediums, is rooted in churning and disrupting unjust systems that are in place, in the world, in our country and in our industry.
It’s about telling the truth, honoring humanity and staying grounded in purpose and morality.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been smooth?
Not even close. HA.
But honestly… would we even want it to be?
I mean, Ive had plenty of obstacles.
Some external, some internal. Things like financial stress, grief, trauma, rejection, identity struggles, burnout. The weight of trying to survive while still showing up for my art.
It’s been a lot.
But more importantly, I have learned that those experiences have shaped me. The hard stuff has been just as important on my path as the wins.
Probably more to be honest.
Those moments cracked me open in ways that has allowed me to expand, to become more honest, more grounded, more compassionate. And to challenge myself to stretch in all the ways I wouldn’t have done without the obstacles.
It doesn’t mean it’s easy….but I try to keep perspective. I believe everything is part of the journey, even when it makes no sense at the time. Later down the road, you look back and realize that challenge was actually the push, the mirror or even the wake up call you needed.
Life is waves. Thats just the truth….you don’t get to skip the low parts.
I just try to meet it all with grace and curiosity as much as I can.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What sets me apart is the same thing that sets everyone apart….the life I’ve lived.
Nobody else has walked in my skin, carried my history or seen the world through my lens that’s what shapes me and that’s what shapes art.
Every role I take on every project I attach myself to, it’s all in service to something bigger.
I’m interested in stories that matter, stories that wake people up or shake shit up.
I’m really proud of the projects I’ve been part of lately I got to play a woman fighting for justice in “Duster”, someone protecting safe spaces in “Outer Range” and most recently I got to represent the complexity of queer love and masculine presenting women in Demee Wilcher’s upcoming show “BILLIE” which is something deeply personal to me.
Musically I’m working on a love letter EP for my Black brothers and sisters….It’s meant to be a space to feel rage, grief and to breathe, because this country doesn’t often have enough spaces for us to do so.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you’re an artist trying to find your way or trying to stay grounded in a world that feels like it’s always pulling you in different directions, just know you don’t have to fit yourself into a mold.
Build a life that reflects your values, not just your ambition!
It’s okay to evolve.
It’s okay to change your mind.
To start over, make art that feels good just to you.
Take care of your spirit….all of this means nothing if you abandon yourself in the process.
Become more informed and involved on what’s going on in the country and in the world, but don’t get stuck in the vortex.
Take a social media break.
Go feel grass. For real.
Find moments of rest.
Fill your well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alaskajphoto.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: Laska_Jackson
