Meet James Negron

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to James Negron. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

James, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I’ve noticed that people tend to hesitate to call themselves artists or even deny that identity altogether, and I understand why. I’ve struggled with that myself in the past. For some, it may be because they don’t have a consistent studio practice, don’t exhibit their work, or approach art only as a hobby. But I believe creativity is part of human nature, and it can be expressed in many forms beyond the visual arts.

As an art educator, I see artistic potential in every student I meet, and I encourage them to expand their skills and creative confidence. Children are naturally imaginative, but as they grow older, they often lose time and space to practice creativity, and that sense of play can fade in adulthood.

I consider myself an artist by nature. I’ve always loved expressing myself creatively, especially through visual art. I stay connected to fellow artists in my community, support local exhibition openings, participate in art-related events, and work regularly with artists to teach visual arts to youth throughout Cleveland. Whether or not I’m actively producing new work at a given moment, I am still an artist. I approach everything I do with creativity and an artist’s mindset, even when it doesn’t directly relate to my personal practice. Thinking of myself as an artist in every part of my daily life has helped me embrace that identity more fully.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My two greatest joys are creating art and teaching art to youth. During my senior year of undergraduate school, I began assistant teaching at the Rainey Institute, while balancing three other part time jobs. I always had an interest in teaching, and when I started working at Rainey, I fell in love with teaching. The organization’s mission and work culture had an immensely positive impact on me both personally and professionally. My main focus in the classroom and in my studio practice is to make fabrication processes more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. When people engage in viewing or making art, they benefit from its therapeutic properties. Visually expressing my state of mind and experiences has greatly improved the way I process and respond to situations that impact my mental health. I feel a great sense of pride in seeing the students I work with grow emotionally, behaviorally, and artistically. It’s a major impact directly stemming from their time at Rainey, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the life-changing art education we provide.

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?

Timely communication is a huge factor in professionalism in any aspect. I’ve learned that even if I don’t have the time to properly respond to important emails or texts, letting the other person know that I will get back to them at a later time makes a difference in maintaining that relationship or connection.

Another quality that’s impacted my journey is talking about myself and my work confidently. Words contain a lot of power, and it’s important to learn how to represent yourself professionally. The way people introduce themselves makes an impressionable impact on how they perceive you and how people learn about you through word by mouth. I’ve met many people who knew about me through mutual friends, colleagues, work, and social media, which have led to more connections and opportunities.

My best advice for anyone developing their artistic career is to engage with the art community in Cleveland, support local galleries, immerse yourself in all the art spaces here, and network with artists and art workers at opening receptions or during open hours. When you build community and actively show up for them, they will do the same to support you.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was encouraging me to pursue my goals. My parents didn’t have many job opportunities or the means to pursue the careers they dreamed of, and for that reason, they’ve always wanted for me and my siblings to have more than what they could provide. I didn’t grow up with money, connections, or many opportunities, but I always had support and love from my family. Those are the two things that really made me believe in myself and push myself further. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the confidence they had in me to achieve the goals I thought were out of reach.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: fruitisgudd
• Linkedin: James Negron
• Youtube: jamesnegron7139