Life & Work with Jada Wong of Westchester

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jada Wong.

Hi Jada, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I always had a big imagination. You could find me playing with my imaginary friend Gunks, going on magical adventures with my cousins, and having tea parties under a blanket fort with my grandma. All of these have influenced how I create and where I draw from in my work.

I loved stories and books; the ability to be transported to another place was so interesting and appealing to me. My introduction to art was calligraphy and lettering. I would fill books with beautiful cursive letters, which was hilarious because I had the messiest handwriting, but I could craft these charming letters.

I was a pretty quiet teen and needed a place to process my emotions and life. I began to pour everything onto the page. I struggled to communicate through words, but found that people could understand through the pictures I would draw. For me, the turning point was when I made a piece called “Which One to Wear Today” for my AP art class. It featured a headless figure trying on different heads and body parts as they got ready for the day, defiantly darker than my current work. This was me processing, feeling like I had to change who I was depending on who I was around at the time. I made this piece purely for myself, but I was surprised by how much people related to the image and saw themselves and their stories in it. I liked how an image I created could spark important conversations and connect people. This was also the first time I drew the face that has stayed prominent in my work.

From then on, I was always creating and drawing. I dreamed of being an illustrator who made beautiful picture books, translated stories into images, and created murals that covered huge buildings. As I applied for college, I looked for schools that had illustration programs in California, which is where I grew up. After debating state school versus art school, I ended up applying and attending Otis College and Art and Design. During my four years there, I developed my skills and built my artist community that keeps me creating today.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There is no clear path to becoming an artist. It is easy to get swept up in comparison to other artists or expectations from family or self. The doubt creeps in, and I question if this career is even possible or if my art is worth making. The path is full of unknowns and uncertainty; however, this also means there’s a lot of room for possibility and experimentation. Instead of trying to follow someone else’s path, I realized that being a creative is crafting my own unique way of making and going on my own journey. The more I embraced a style of making that brought me joy and said yes to opportunities that pushed me out of my comfort zone, another stepping stone would appear. I am not sure what shape my road will take, but I am ready to find out where it goes.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create whimsical characters and stories to make sense of the world around me. I merge my love for the absurd and humor with themes of identity, community, and social justice in my work. My playful style lends itself well to children’s books, editorial illustrations, public art, and more. I utilize traditional materials and printmaking processes when possible and emulate traditional mark-making qualities when using digital tools.

I enjoy creating for younger audiences and bringing out adults’ childlike spirit. To do so, I use my characters called “Gunks,” inspired by my imaginary friend I had as a child. You can find the Gunks going on adventures, doing things they are not supposed to, and making new friends. I use everyday situations and mundane objects as inspiration and illustrate them with a twist.

The project I am currently most proud of is the picture book I made called “Blank the Gunk”. All Gunks are born good at something, except for Blank. In this story, we follow Blank as she searches for her skill and tries to fit in with the other Gunks. She learns that it is okay to be different, and it might just be her secret superpower.

Aside from seeing life through a different lens, I view art as a way to share stories and connect with each other. My goal is to make silly pictures, use art as a tool for change, and help others feel seen through my work.

What matters most to you?
As an artist, I think it is important to use my skill as a tool to fight for what I believe, share important stories, and create community. Art is a universal communicator, so I enjoy creating work that speaks on social justice issues such as human rights and climate issues. I often partner with non-profits to add visual elements and illustrations to amplify their missions and campaigns. Both visual and written forms of communication are important in making change.

Personally, I do not make art just to make it and have it sit in my room. Art is better with and in community. Recently, I had the opportunity to do a mural outside of Asi Mexican Fusion Bistro in San Jose, and the best part was how alive the process was. All the people stopping by, help from friends and family, and the environment all influenced and were a part of this community mural.

Art education is another passion of mine. It is not necessary teaching technical skills that draws me, but the ability to give students the tools to tell and visualize their stories on the page. Creating connections with students and learning why and how they use art as a creative outlet is what is special to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jadawonggg.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadawonggg/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadawonggg

Image Credits
Danielle Vega
Otis College of Art and Design