We were lucky to catch up with Jesse Ryan Crosby recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jesse Ryan , 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?
Through my personal struggles, I found that art is the messenger. I’ve recognized somewhere along the way, that my ability to deeply feel was something I could use to forge connection- to myself, and to others. To process the world around me- the ever-changing and multi-complex social and political climate, global suffering, personal struggle, grief, and self-acceptance. Through song, through words, through visual arts- the desire to process, feel, and connect is always there.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a visual artist, poet, and musician. I own a studio art business in Colorado, where I participate in local pop-up events and artist markets in the surrounding areas, and I work with a variety of mediums. Presently, my practice is heavily multi-faceted. Though I am returning more and more to hands on media, I have spent the last decade working in photographic media; often times working narratively, combining written word and visual arts in tandem. I have recently begun making some “wearable art,” in the form of apparel, where I combine my musings or excerpts with my art/ film photographs, and that has been very exciting to see folks both resonate and enjoy this new endeavor. It is very rewarding to give new life to my work in this way. I very much look forward to continuing to explore this avenue.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Allow yourself to explore new horizons creatively. I think this is something I’ve only really recently acquired though- it’s really easy to allow yourself to compartmentalize your work, or to allow yourself to become compartmentalized into what kind of artist you are [etc.], and so – allowing yourself the freedom to be expansive; to make and try new things is freeing and most certainly rewarding. Give yourself permission to let go, and allow your potential to breathe life into new works. Trust your creative instincts, and make work that is unique to your vision. In a world where we are so personally bombarded by trends, images, screens, billboards, etc., it’s so easy to lose that sentimentality of just allowing yourself to be, think, and create without distractions. If we’re always trying to fit in, we’re not allowing ourself to follow our inner compass. Listen to your voice. It is the guidepost.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Photographically, I love to work with any fellow creators for headshots, portraits, trans* or gender-affirming portrait sessions, etc. I also would really love to work with any local musicians, bands, tattoo artists, studio artists, barbers, etc., that would be interested in making work together. I also do [and would love to do more] illustration and painting commissions for clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jesseryancrosby.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesseryancrosby/
- Other: Inquiries, features, collaborations, etc. contact via email: [email protected]
Image Credits
All work & images © Jesse Ryan Crosby, 2024.
