Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dezzy Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dezzy, 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 remember when I was 8 or 9 years old, I was riding in the car with my dad–in the passenger seat, despite being below the age requirement and wildly below the weight requirement. He was on the phone with my Auntie Francis, talking about something I had no interest in. I was staring out the window, and then I mumbled, to no one in particular, “I wonder what my purpose is.
My dad screams “WOOOOH!” with wide eyes, sort of spooked. “Francis, I’ma call you back. Destynee just asked what her PURPOSE is.”
Seeing him so perplexed, so thrown off by my early deliberation of this concept made an impression on me. I never forgot that moment.
But I suppose I’ve always had an innate understanding that /I’m here for something/, The idea that we’re all here because we’re supposed to figure something out, was axiomatic and common sense to me, for as though as I’ve been able to have sophisticated thought.
I think I found my purpose when I was a small child. I’d draw things, and be so enthralled by it. Or, I’d see my growth in how I drew something one day, compared to how I’d drawn it a month prior. It’s like my art represented me. Always changing, growing, and usually improving over time, I felt so connected to drawing things. I told my mom once, “I would be happy if I could do this for the rest of my life.” It was such a genuine comment. Rooted in innocence, honesty, and thousands of attempts at drawing the same flower: a Stargazer Lily.
Between being a small child and now, let’s just say there have been twists, turns, distractions, extractions, expansions, etc, that took me away from my art—times where I even forgot that I was an artist—but reconnecting with myself always brings me back home.
It is necessary for me to communicate through art. Through elusive, concrete, abstract, visual, or audible art. My art is how I show up in the world. Therefore, my only purpose is to continue showing up, and all else will fall into place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a visual artist/muralist and video producer from Atlanta, Georgia, currently based in Jacksonville, Florida. My time is pretty much evenly split between painting on a wall somewhere, and producing branded video content for businesses. I serve local clients through my video marketing agency Beige Cap Media, specializing in short-form documentary content for social media. I’ve just recently started getting into the Jacksonville art scene, having created my first five murals this year.
In doing so, I’ve fallen overwhelmingly in alignment with my purpose as an artist.
With every piece I work on, my goal is to embed an uplifting vibration into my work. Whether it’s a commercial mural, an exhibit at a museum, or sticker at a pop-up shop, I want my art to translate my intention to the viewer/receiver. I want my art to give off the silent charge that you are loved, you are valuable, there’s so much more to your story that you could ever realize in this lifetime.
My main focus right now it to strengthen my connection to Jacksonville, the people in it, and the history that it holds.
I hope to continue stamping the city with my murals, while working toward the launch of my art and spirituality-focused podcast, The Art Realm.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
This is a great question. I’d say:
Faith would have to be number one. And this is not referencing religion. Just truly believe that the Source has your best interest at heart. Have faith in yourself, have faith in others, and choose to believe that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. It would seem that this frame of thinking increases gratitude, joy, and–as a result, arguably–success.
Resilience. If something doesn’t pan out the way you hoped, always opt to roll with the punches. Do not fixate on your mistakes or shortcomings. Rather, acknowledge them, and have a conversation with yourself on what you’ve learned as a result (or what you need to learn), and then keep going! It’s been becoming very clear to me how much failure is necessary in order for me to gain the knowledge I need to ascend to new levels. I’ve realized that pain is part of the process. Accept that it’s part of the game, and keep playing.
Listening skills. Developing this skill has benefitted every area of my life. This means listening to others, listening to the room, listening to God, listening to the self. I say “listening” as a blanket term, but what I’m really referring to is a sort of holistic observation, where you’re attentive and cognizant of all the sounds that buzz around us day by day, granting us clues while on our paths. I don’t know, just listen man!
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I’d have to recommend Rick Rubin’s “The Creative Act” to every human on the planet who has a vested interest in expressing or creating things. From cover to cover, the book is filled with nuggets of wisdom (there’s honestly a valuable takeaway on every single page), but if I had to synthesize the book down to what resonated with me the most, it would be:
1.) In order to achieve an untainted, deep connection to your (creative) practice, do not accept what the structure /assumes/ to be the case. As often as you can, take a bottom-up approach when coming at new ideas. What do /you/ want to do or try? Ignore the rest of the world. Follow the thread of your own unique beliefs, perspectives, and interests.
2. The only person you’re ever competing with is yourself. Master the self and you’ve mastered all things.
3.) How you do one thing is how you do everything. See how everything is connected, move with pride, gratitude, and dignity in everything that you do. This framework gives a holistic approach to growth that let’s you introduce cohesion into your life, if the concept is truly embodied. I love the idea that there’s alchemy in how you fold your clothes or whether or not you make up your bed. So observe your actions. Monitor the way you carry out tasks. Are you efficient? Lazy? Perfectionistic? Anal-retentive? Decide what that means for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: dezzyjonesart.com & beigecapmedia.com
- Instagram: @dezzyjones_ & @beigecapmedia &. @theartrealmpodcast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dezzyjonesart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/destynee-jones-6178b7147/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcbXR5gg4UUx7STQl_WoELg
