I have no interest in making a work that doesn’t elicit a feeling.
Kara Walker
Initially, my focus was on the lighthearted story of how Black art ended up in the local A&M Mart; however, the passion and artistry of creatives in the Prairie View area have inspired me to dive deeper into the culture of Black art. I spoke to a few creatives and organizations on campus that could help me paint a better picture for Texas Girl Writes Viewers. As onlookers, we must hear about the culture from the culture. Local artist Courtney Jacobs expressed her experiences with support from the PV community, including other artists.
“Although not very known to the public, PV has a wonderful art community I’ve become a part of during my time here. As a freshman, I began posting my art on social media, mainly Twitter, and soon after, I became recognizable around campus for my art. It led to me participating in more pop-up shops around campus, creating one of the most popular parts of my business: customizing grad caps. The student body here is very supportive of artists here. I’ve had so many people reach out to me about doing a commissioned painting for them for their dorm room or coming to copy a sticker from me wherever I’m at a pop-up shop. The overwhelming support warms my heart as someone who was never truly confident in sharing their artwork; being part of their art community here at PV has made me realize you have support everywhere, even when you don’t know it.”
Courtney led me toward Jasmyn Nichols (Charese Creations LLC) and Jurneai Jackson of Eclectic LLC. While reaching out to them, I fell deeper into the campus’s extensive collections and organizations. Eventually, I found I See Black Creatives ending my enlightening journey. These hidden gems on campus were excited to answer my questions about their artistry.
Eclectic LLC
I spoke to Jurneai Jackson of Eclectic LLC to gain insight into one of PVAMU’S most diverse communities for artists to discover each other. Eclectic lives up to their name by providing individual support in a community setting.
1.Why is promoting “diverse knowledge” at PV a part of the services provided by Eclectic LLC?
“Well, we’re all different in the sense of where we came from, which alters how we view things, but all and all, we all go through the same hardships. For instance, we all have to deal with the same school, faculty, and, eventually, the “real” world. So yes, we’re different hence the name Eclectic. Still, we’re supposed to use our diverse knowledge to come together. Then we can properly utilize the different perspectives, skills, and knowledge for an aligned goal. One can get to it fast, but a group can make it last.”
2. As a Prairie View A&M University student organization, what can the administration and the student body do to further support PV’s Creatives?
“It’s simple, supporting us as a whole ultimately supports each creator individually. That can look like coming to our events or sharing a creator’s work. As a creator, we want someone to connect with the message our art is displaying, so your sharing can help us connect to the right audience. In addition to buying our creations which you can find on our Instagram page.”
3. Your “Meet the Artist” feature on Instagram focuses on welcoming creatives; how can consumers properly credit artists and ask for commissions?
“Meet the Artist is a weekly segment where we post our creators and allow them to express what they do and why. We know people mostly connect with the person rather than the art. Hence, as a consumer, you can see a deeper side of the artist on the Eclectic page with an immediate tag to that person’s info so you can contact them individually.”
4. Tips for creatives trying to turn their ideas into reality?
“This is the hardest question because I’m not even there yet, and of course, there are so many trials and tribulations that make you want to keep the idea in your head. The only thing that’ll push you to keep going is you. I suggest asking yourself if this is something you’re doing for you. In the event of confusion or someone else’s name pops up, the reality was never yours to put into effect. On the other hand, if the answer is yes, your ideas are already being formed; you just have to watch.”
Charese Creations LLC
Second I interviewed “artrepeneur” Jasmyn Charese who connects with those in her community through artwork inspired by her campus and personal life. Jasmyn is not only a creative she is also a passionate dancer that lives by the motto, “failure will never over take me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.” I asked Jasmyn…
1. What is your connection between dance and art? Where do you see the future of visual arts for black artists heading?
“I started dancing when I was seven or eight, and the performance aspect of it really made me fall in love with it. With my art, I can be as creative and expressive as possible. Both are my top favorite art forms to partake in. Anytime I do one or the other, I feel spiritually free. I see black visual artists continuing to have their work displayed through fashion shows, music videos, animation, everywhere, because people need new and fresh ideas after a while.”
2. As a current Prairie View A & M University student, how can PV further support artists?
“Students can support artists doing simple things: attending pop-up events, reposting important information, buying what they can or want to support the artists, and just being very receptive to the different styles that people have. The school can invest in the students instead of going out and hiring someone to do a portrait painting or a mural in one of the buildings; use the resources that you already have!”
3. What are some of your biggest inspirations for capturing black life in your artwork? Black women are the center and heart of your art. Is that a product of your surroundings and community?
“My everyday life inspires me; I find beauty in some of the simplest things. Walking to class and looking at the campus, the trees, and the sky makes me want to paint; going to events and wanting to capture those moments so I can turn them into a painting because years from now, these moments are going to be looked back on nostalgically; it almost makes me feel crazy because while everybody is chatting or dancing, I’m thinking in my head” I got to take a picture of this so I can draw it.” Black women being the main focus of my art is a part of the strong women I’ve encountered. My grandmother was the first to notice my artistic abilities and gave me a job face-painting for kids’ events. It also shows how bad-ass I view myself, my friends, and family members who are making things happen. Love a black woman from infinity to infinity!”
4.Tips for artists reaching out to creators and a message to consumers about the meaning of purchasing Black art.
“There are some artists who have a “crab-in-the-barrel” type of mentality, so please do your own research on things before you go asking someone who doesn’t want to help young black artists. For the consumers, don’t just buy stuff to give into the hype; buy it because you like it, and/or you want to start building up your art collection, or just be supportive. Black art has so much meaning and love put into the creative-making process that it should make you appreciate it even more. Go buy some black art!”
I see Black Creatives (ISBC Collective)
Next, I spoke with I See Black Creatives (ISBC Collective) on their experiences of community support and visibility for artists in Prairie View and how to bridge the gap between creation and production using campus space.
1. What’s the next creative outlet for ISBC Collective? Would you ever do a vintage PVAMU vs. New Age shoot?
”The next creative outlet for ISBC is the Model Portfolio Revamp + Networking event scheduled for August 20th. Our mission at ISBC is to foster connections and support among PV/Houston creatives, and this event is designed to do just that! As for the shoot, we plan to do an “OLD PV vs. NEW PV” photoshoot series! This unique concept involves recreating iconic moments from PVAMU’s history, representing the vintage era, and contrasting them with modern, contemporary themes to showcase the evolution of creativity and style over the years. We are excited to get into this, as we have been working very hard on this semester’s calendar.”
2. As a Prairie View A&M University student organization, what can administration and the student body do to further support PV’s Creatives?
“As a student organization at Prairie View A&M University, ISBC greatly values the support and involvement of the student body we have gotten so far. While ISBC operates independently of PV, genuine support from our community can make a significant difference in fostering a thriving creative environment on campus. Thus far, we have been grateful for the positive feedback we’ve received on our organization. However, we recognize that there may be challenges in gaining support if people need to be personally familiar with our work. We aim to change this narrative and encourage the administration and the student body to actively engage and participate in our activities. Collaboration and unity are crucial for the growth of PV’s creatives. By supporting events and initiatives that genuinely interest individuals, we can bridge the gap and bring together the diverse talents within PV’s community. Whether attending our events, providing feedback, or spreading the word about our organization, every form of support is valued. It can contribute to the collective success of PV’s creative endeavors. As we move forward, we invite the administration and student body to join us in building a strong and vibrant creative community at PV. Together, we can create an inclusive and supportive environment where creativity flourishes, connections thrive, and all members of the PV community can actively contribute to advancing the arts on our campus.”
3. How important is studio space for creatives at PVAMU? How can we bridge the Gap between creation and production using campus space?
“A studio space for creatives is vital at PVAMU! We have so many creatives on campus that could benefit from this space. Currently, we utilize whatever resources are available, such as setting up studio spaces in dorm rooms or public areas around campus and even carpooling to external studio spaces. However, having dedicated on-campus studio spaces would be instrumental in advancing creativity among PVAMU students. Bridging the gap between creation and production using campus space would provide a convenient and accessible environment for students to bring their creative ideas to life, collaborate with others, and foster a vibrant artistic community on campus.”
4. How would organizations in Prairie View benefit from more community markets and pop-ups to showcase creatives?
“Organizations at PVAMU can benefit immensely from community markets and pop-up shops. These events bring much-needed funding to these organizations and create opportunities for showcasing creativity and fostering valuable networking skills. PVAMU needs to make room for more creative outlets this year; it is essential to the well-being of their students!”
Lastly, I spoke to Jasmyn Nichols, artist, and owner of Charese Creations LLC, about her biggest inspirations for capturing black life in her artwork, the direction of visual mediums for black artists, networking tips for artists, and a message to consumers about the meaning of purchasing Black art.
Texas Girl Writes 