We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jacqueline Yulick. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jacqueline below.
Jacqueline, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose through a fusion of personal experience, a deep connection to the community, and my innate passion for art. As a single mother of two beautiful girls and a dedicated advocate for children with special needs and at-risk youth, I realized that art could be the most potent tool to communicate, heal, and inspire growth.
Witnessing the silent struggles and immense strength that many of us experience in our lives, I recognized the transformative potential of art to convey these emotions. My vividly colored paintings of women, captured in their raw vulnerability yet radiating strength, serve as a medium to voice the unspoken and depict the silent suffering. This journey into the depths of human emotion has illuminated my purpose – to communicate through my art, to bridge gaps of understanding, and to create a platform for those who might not have a voice otherwise.
Through my involvement as a mentor for teenage girls in foster care and my commitment to supporting children with special needs, I realized that my art could extend beyond aesthetics. One particular piece, “The Butterfly Effect,” raised $100,000 at auction, significantly contributing to a local organization’s mission to rehabilitate children impacted by unspeakable trauma.
My purpose is rooted in the belief that art, fueled by authenticity and vulnerability, can not only save and transform lives but also become a powerful catalyst for social change. The realization of this purpose has not only brought me personal fulfillment but has also deepened my connection to the community, driving me to create art that resonates, communicates, and heals. Art has the magic to transcend boundaries, touch souls, and generate change.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Jacqueline Yulick, a local St. Petersburg artist renowned for my captivating use of colors and my evocative portrayal of women as well as delicate abstract art. As a self-taught, abstract artist, I embrace a wide spectrum of styles and mediums, a creative journey that commenced from an early age. However, it was amidst the turmoil of the pandemic year that I truly harnessed my artistic potential.
My art is a profound exploration of human emotions and strengths, capturing the raw and vulnerable essence of existence. I find immense gratification in imparting the skill of using art as a mode of communication and emotional expression. One cherished instance was conducting a tactile art class for children at the Lighthouse of Pinellas for the blind and visually impaired. Guiding these young artists to paint by touch, not sight, was a revelation in the transformative power of art.
Beyond my artistic pursuits, I am a single mother to two beautiful mixed-race children and a committed advocate for individuals with special needs. Having grown up in underprivileged circumstances, I am fervently dedicated to working with at-risk youth within my community. My life experiences have nurtured a profound understanding of adversity, fueling my advocacy for mentorship among young women and the belief that past hardships need not define their future.
My journey into working with students with special needs began during my high school years, igniting a passion for addressing the resource gap and disparities they face. This has become my mission – amplifying the voices of families and children in multifaceted ways. My advocacy journey includes protesting, battling insurance companies for coverage, and orchestrating therapy services for countless children in need. My passion is unyielding.
Actively participating in charitable fundraisers, I often contribute my artwork for auction to support local causes I resonate with. When not engaged in these endeavors, you can find me showcasing my creations at local art exhibitions and events, or immersed in my studio space at Pacini Glass Gallery.
At present, my primary focus revolves around establishing a monthly all-inclusive art class for local youth with special needs. This passion aligns with my aspiration to exhibit in local museums and ultimately return to Miami Art Basel in the forthcoming years.
In my moments of leisure, I relish spending quality time with my family and friends, cherishing shared homemade dinners, leisurely walks through our vibrant city, and the serene beauty of our beaches and state parks.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three pivotal elements stand out as guiding lights: resilience, empathy, and a thirst for continuous learning.
Resilience: The path of an artist, especially one advocating for social change, is marked by challenges. Drawing from my personal experiences as an underprivileged youth, a single mother, and an advocate for special needs children, resilience has been my constant companion. In the face of setbacks, doubt, and adversity, I learned that each stumbling block is an opportunity to grow stronger. For those starting their journey, I would say, embrace the difficulties, for they can become your greatest teachers. Believe in your vision, adapt to obstacles, and keep moving forward. Resilience is the bridge from where you are to where you want to be.
Empathy: Art is a conduit for emotions and connections. My work resonates because I infuse it with empathy – a profound understanding of the struggles and triumphs that others experience. This skill, honed through my interactions with at-risk youth and children with special needs, has allowed me to communicate beyond words. To those embarking on their journey, I recommend nurturing your empathy. Listen actively, step into others’ shoes, and let your art reflect shared human experiences. Empathy will make your work relatable, impactful, and transformative.
Continuous Learning: Art, like life, is an evolving journey. Embracing multiple styles, mediums, and techniques has defined my trajectory. The thirst for learning has been my driving force, especially in the age of rapid change. To newcomers, I suggest staying curious and open-minded. Experiment with new approaches, embrace criticism as a growth opportunity, and consistently seek to expand your horizons. In a world where artistic boundaries are ever-expanding, being a perpetual learner will keep your work fresh and your passion alive.
In summary, my advice to those at the start of their journey is to cultivate resilience to weather the storms, nurture empathy to forge meaningful connections, and maintain a hunger for learning to fuel your creative evolution. Remember, every step, every challenge, is shaping your unique story as an artist.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who not only appreciates art but also understands its profound potential to foster change, healing, and connection. I am particularly drawn to individuals who resonate with my deep commitment to social advocacy and community betterment. Ultimately, my ideal client is someone who sees art as more than decoration – they see it as a vehicle for change, a reflection of emotions, and a way to connect with the broader human experience. Such clients become not only patrons but partners in the shared journey of using art to make a meaningful difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jmyartt.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmyartt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JMYARTT/
