Jerome China shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jerome , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Great question, I would say sometimes thinking too much about what tomorrow might bring. When find myself losing track of time in this manner, I revert back to my Buddhist teaching that life is fully present and it is essential to focus on the moment.
This is known as mindfulness. It involves observing your thoughts and feelings without judgement, accepting the present moment as it is, and find peace through acceptance. There is no past or future per se, only the present.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an artist, collector of African American contemporary art across the African Diaspora, small business owner and I love to cook. I declared myself an abstract metal sculptor in 2015 once I sold my first piece of art.
I create art as an outlet, but I also create art with the purpose of leaving a legacy documenting the current times in which we live. In addition, sculpture for me is a conversation between emptiness, movement, and material. I’m always chasing that moment when shape becomes emotion – when a curve, a tension or a texture suddenly mirrors something deeply human.
My work is for people who what more than just decor; they want energy, they want meaning, they want to bring a sense of depth into their space. My goal is to create work that speaks to the emotional landscape we all share, without using recognizable forms. In instead I let abstraction do what words cannot – connect us through feeling.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I’m sure what my earliest memory of feeling powerful was. My most recent memory of feeling powerful was when I built my own studio. The moment it was finished, I felt power and freedom as an artist.
It made me realize that freedom isn’t necessarily doing what you want, it’s wanting nothing that can control you. I’m free from the wimps of landlord’s and never have to look for another studio space, if I don’t want to.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear doesn’t hold me back. I’m come to the conclusion that I’ll have to do somethings being afraid. So, fear has become a fleeting thought in my mind. I acknowledge the fear and keep pressing forward.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie that the majority of art industry tells itself is that they are more important than the artists themselves. Art galleries and venues are important, but they are not as or more important as the artists who create the work.
There would be no galleries, museums etc. if it weren’t for the artists that create the work…period.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I don’t concern myself with whether I’ll be missed—that judgment isn’t mine to make. Time quickly overwhelms all memory, dissolving reputation, suffering, and achievement alike. What remains within my control is how I live now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chinajerome
- Linkedin: Jerome China (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerome-china-089a56110/)
Image Credits
Photos Courtesy of:
Hudson County Community College & New Jersey City University.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
