We had the good fortune of connecting with Ja and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ja, why did you pursue a creative career?
Since childhood, creativity has been an integral part of my being. Whether it was sketching, painting, or indulging in various crafts, my passion for artistic expression seemed innate rather than a deliberate choice. As I grew older, my love for painting resurfaced and I made the conscious decision to embrace it wholeheartedly, taking my artistic endeavors seriously. Since then, my adoration for this medium has only deepened, and I continue to cherish every moment spent immersed in my own world of painting.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from other artist is my profound connection to the body and its emotional spectrum. Having dedicated a decade to training as a dancer, I possess a deep understanding of the body’s expressive potential and its ability to convey messages and emotions through movement and physicality. I’m most proud of my ability as a painter to leverage this unique knowledge to transform the human form into a potent instrument of communication within my art. The result is a body of work that is both intimately personal and universally relatable, inviting viewers to engage with their own emotions and experiences through the power of visual expression.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were to visit for a week-long trip, the ultimate itinerary would involve amusement parks for thrilling roller coaster rides, art museums to fuel my inspiration and connection to art, tranquil parks or nature spots for a sense of home and comfort amidst greenery, and discovering restaurants with new and enticing cuisines. The most enjoyable moments for me are spent experiencing and learning new things about myself, my companions, and the world around me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to my family and friends. Without them I wouldn’t be able to create art the way I do. Their support and love give me the confidence to pursue my dreams and reminding me that I have the ability to accomplish anything I set my mind to.

Website: https://www.artsbyja.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthewastebin

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