We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jandey Shackelford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jandey, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My strong work ethic has been a constant companion throughout my life, shaped by the inspiring example of my hardworking mother. Witnessing her dedication to being a great mother and providing for her children left a lasting impression on me, influencing how I approach various aspects of my life.
During my childhood, I was involved in multiple sports, excelled in school, and had a passion for art. Drawing from the work ethic instilled by my mother, I learned to tackle each of these areas with determination and a sense of organization. Juggling these different interests helped me develop the skills to organize and prioritize tasks effectively.
Even today, I take great pride in my work ethic, recognizing its impact on my personal and professional endeavors. It’s a trait I’ve carried forward from my upbringing, and it continues to guide me in navigating life’s challenges and opportunities.
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?
As an interdisciplinary artist, my work delves into challenging questions and illuminates persistent stereotypes, gender roles, and various forms of oppression within the context of a house or home. I’m particularly intrigued by how these issues impact the individuals inhabiting that space. To explore these concepts, I incorporate a unique element – footprints. Whether they’re my own or those of others, these footprints serve as tangible evidence, a presence, and a memory of the profound impact that a space can have on its occupants.
My creative process involves a dynamic interplay between bodies, space, interaction, and the physical manipulation of construction materials. I subject these materials to a series of imprinting, tearing, arranging, and meticulous mending with fibers. This process symbolizes the foundation of a home and the inherent chaos that can exist within its walls. Through the combination of construction and craft materials, I aim to express the lived experience of dwelling in a space marked by feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. The act of creation becomes a powerful effort to transcend the melancholic space from which these emotions originate.
As I embark on this artistic journey, I’m enthusiastic about further exploring my craft and discovering where it leads me. On the heels of graduating with my Masters of Fine Arts, I am actively preparing for my solo exhibition at Strata Gallery Santa Fe, where I hold the title of an emerging artist. The exhibition is set to captivate audiences from February 13th to 23rd, with a reception on February 16th from 5 to 7 pm. I look forward to sharing my work and engaging with the community during this significant showcase of my artistic endeavors.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In the intricate tapestry of my artistic journey, three indispensable qualities and skills have played a transformative role: continuous learning, self-reflection, and resilience. The commitment to perpetual learning serves as a vibrant thread, weaving through the fabric of my development, allowing me to embrace new techniques and perspectives with unwavering curiosity. Self-reflection acts as a reflective mirror, enabling me to delve into the depths of my artistic identity and motivations, fostering authenticity in my creative expression. Anchored by resilience, I navigate the challenges of the artistic realm, viewing setbacks not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. Open ears for constructive feedback and an unwavering recognition of my artistic worth form a harmonious chord, striking a balance between receptivity and self-affirmation. As the canvas of my artistic journey expands, the continual cultivation of these skills remains a testament to my dedication to both art and personal evolution, an enduring commitment to becoming a successful artist and a continually flourishing one.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
In moments of overwhelming feelings, I’ve discovered a remarkably effective strategy that brings both order and accomplishment to the chaos: making lists. This approach serves as a practical and psychological anchor. By translating the multitude of thoughts buzzing in my mind onto paper, I create a tangible roadmap. The act of listing tasks not only organizes my thoughts but also provides a clear, achievable structure. As I systematically check off completed items, the sense of accomplishment not only boosts morale but also instills a feeling of control over the situation. This seemingly simple practice transforms the abstract into manageable, actionable steps, fostering a more composed and focused mindset in the face of overwhelming situations.
Contact Info:
- Website: jandey.net
- Instagram: jandeyshackelford
Image Credits
Semoria F. Mosely
