Meet Jasmin Warnock

We were lucky to catch up with Jasmin Warnock recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jasmin , 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.

Truthfully, I don’t think I’ll ever truly overcome imposter syndrome. I think most people, especially artists, find themselves feeling like an imposter continuously.This is something I am learning to accept and navigate as it arises. I find that especially in an art space where I am the minority, where there aren’t people that look like me, I feel guilty. I think that I don’t deserve to be there and that someone like me but with maybe more experience or someone further along in their journey belongs to be there. I talked to a friend once about this and they really helped me frame this idea of instead of me it should be as well as me. Because I deserve these opportunities as well as other people like me. Other black women artists that have something to say and are, against many odds, saying it through their art. When I find myself in a situation or scenario where I am deeply unsure of myself or the work that I am making I write myself affirmations. I phrase things in “I am” statements and hope that something sticks. I also try to focus on my goals in the situation. How can I make my tasks more manageable so I can feel accomplished. I think at the end of the day its all about reassuring yourself and then gaining enough confidence to continue. It’s ok to feel like an imposter as long as you don’t let that stop you from putting your best foot forward and being brave enough to at least try.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an Atlanta based artist and printmaker. I mainly work in relief printmaking which is the reductive process of carving into wood or linoleum to create an engraved image. I think what’s most exciting about printmaking is that it is such an underrated medium.
It is also a process based medium meaning going through each step can get tedious. From composition ideation, prepping the block, drawing the composition, carving the block, test printing, and then printing the edition. If you aren’t committed to the process you can’t be a successful printmaker. As someone who has always been somewhat creative, when I began printmaking I felt as though there was finally a solid medium that I could express myself with.I am always look for ways to explore themes of my identity
My current focus in my work is centered around me and my sister’s childhood in Mississippi. I also like to express the connection of myself or black women in general to their hair. Recently I have been exploring that intersection between identity, memories, and hair.
I am currently an emerging artist resident at the Atlanta Printmakers studio. It is a 6-month program that ends in July. There will be a group show at the end showcasing all the residents’ work during our time. I also currently have a few shows up and have a few on the calendar. I have a show up currently at Kai Lin Art that I am particularly excited about because I am showing fifteen of my pieces, which is the most I ever have in a single show. The show is called Essential and its on view until May 2nd. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have been presented with thus far this year.

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?

I think the first quality that was impactful to my journey was my commitment to the practice of printmaking. I was only able to take two printmaking classes while studying at Georgia State, but what made me stand out as a printmaker was my commitment to make as much good work as possible. Through each assignment I continued to challenge myself and build my skills especially within the relief printmaking process. After college though it was definitely a learning curve, I eventually found my groove again, and committed myself to continuing to make the work. A commitment to your practice is one of the most important things an artist can do for themselves.

Another quality that I think can go hand in hand with commitment is confidence. Even at the times where I wasn’t fully confident in myself or the work I was creating I still pushed myself to put it out there. A huge goal of mine last year was to purposely be uncomfortable, because I knew if I just stuck to what was, I wouldn’t achieve any real growth. And though sometimes it purely was a fake it until you make it situation I benefited tremendously over allowing myself to try more things, talk to more people, and get my art out there.

Finally I think the most important aspect to an artist’s practice is community! I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to be a part of a network of artists supporting and showing up for each other. To build your networks. To support other artists and friends in their creative endeavors and surround yourself with other creatives who share similar values and goals with you. Sometimes it’s hard for me to ask for help, but when I have such an encouraging community of artists and especially printmakers around me it is so much easier to get through certain obstacles and struggles.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

My biggest obstacle as of now is achieving balance. I have to work to make money to buy art supplies to make art but if I’m working all the time how can I create art? And the cycle goes on and on and on. It feels as though there are endless amounts of things I want to do creatively but no actual time to do them. As I mentioned earlier I am a current resident at Atlanta Printmaker studio. Part of the agreement is committing to a certain amount of hours spent in the studio. I am working and creating a lot but my expenses are building up. For example, I signed up to take a screen printing class this month. What I didn’t anticipate was the cost of the supplies I would need for the class on top of closing my availability in my work schedule in order to take the class. So while my paychecks lose a whole day’s worth of hours, I am spending more and more money on new supplies. I have to remind myself that I am investing in myself. Though it feels like I’m losing money now, because I am, I am investing in a skill that will help elevate my work and greatly influence my artistic practice. I have to remember to have grace for myself and now that I will not always be this broke lol. I am also trying my best to hold myself accountable and have discipline in my routine. This is where that quality of commitment comes back into play. I have to commit myself to putting in the time and effort to make the work I want to make. I don’t think I am quite there yet but with each new piece and project I feel like I get closer and closer to achieving it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jwarnockart.com
• Instagram: @warnockart

Image Credits

Valentin Sivyakov (framed art images)