Meet Jia Jia | Multimedia Artist

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

Hi Jia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-taking has played a significant and transformative role in my life and career. The most impactful risk I’ve taken so far was deciding to pursue my artistic career in the United States and immigrating here. Initially, I had planned to return to China after completing graduate school, aiming to establish my art and design practice there. However, after living in the U.S. for a few years, my perspective changed.

The lifestyle I discovered here deeply resonated with me. I cherish the privacy and peacefulness afforded by living in a less crowded environment, something that allows me greater personal space and tranquility. Being near nature has also profoundly influenced my happiness and creativity, enabling me to freely engage in walks and spontaneous road trips. Moreover, the artistic freedom I experience here, unencumbered by certain political constraints, allows me to explore diverse and meaningful topics that reflect varied experiences and human stories.

Despite these benefits, living in the U.S. poses its own challenges, particularly being distant from family. Thankfully, the friendships I’ve built here provide essential emotional support, helping me navigate feelings of loneliness.

I’m still not entirely certain if I’ll permanently stay in the United States. However, much like pursuing a career as an artist, I’ve learned the importance of trusting my instincts, embracing uncertainty, and focusing on living fully in the moment. Choosing to become an artist itself involves inherent risks—financial instability, geographic uncertainty—but taking this path has taught me that without embracing these risks, I would never truly discover what brings me genuine fulfillment and joy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My name is Jia Jia, and I was born and raised in an industrial city in northern China. Currently, I’m an artist based in Seattle, where I’ve lived for about six years. My journey into art began in an unexpected yet formative way. As a child, rather than napping, I often spent my afternoons drawing. Recognizing this passion and potential, my mother enrolled me in painting classes, setting the foundation for my lifelong dedication to art. I pursued formal art education and continuously explored a variety of mediums, driven by an insatiable curiosity and eagerness to push my creative boundaries.

My art is deeply influenced by my experience as an immigrant, exploring themes of identity, adaptation, and nuanced resistance to capitalist and political pressures. It addresses complex realities like globalization, migration, and cultural assimilation, highlighting power dynamics that often reduce individuals to mere “products” in the pursuit of efficiency. Through my creations, I celebrate resilience, adaptability, and the beauty inherent in imperfection.

The path to where I am professionally has not been easy. Living abroad has brought many introspective challenges, particularly around identity and belonging. I’ve grappled with societal pressures emphasizing productivity and efficiency, but in doing so, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about authenticity, perseverance, and the importance of embracing contradictions and imperfections.

What sets my art apart is its deliberate focus on quiet defiance against established norms, expressed through unconventional materials and diverse techniques. My work seeks to inspire introspection, urging viewers to reconsider their beliefs about efficiency, productivity, and identity in our globalized world. Ultimately, my art aspires to reflect the intricate web of human relationships, emphasizing the significance of valuing individual quirks and flaws in a world often obsessed with conformity.

Through my work, I hope to empower others to challenge norms and embrace the unique journey of carving out one’s identity amidst societal pressures. My greatest excitement lies in connecting with audiences, sparking meaningful conversations about adaptation, resilience, and the limitless potential within each individual.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Seattle for a week, I’d ensure they experienced the city’s vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty. We’d begin by exploring iconic landmarks like Pike Place Market, enjoying local favorites like Beecher’s Handmade Cheese and Piroshky Piroshky pastries. A stroll along the waterfront and a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island would offer breathtaking views and a peaceful escape.

We’d spend time discovering Seattle’s art scene at the Seattle Art Museum, Olympic Sculpture Park, and local galleries in Pioneer Square. Exploring neighborhoods like Ballard and Fremont would showcase quirky boutiques, cafes, and breweries such as Fremont Brewing or Reuben’s Brews. Dining experiences would include diverse options from Din Tai Fung’s famous dumplings to fresh seafood at Elliott’s Oyster House.

Outdoor adventures would involve hiking at Discovery Park, a day trip to Mount Rainier, and sunset picnics at Gas Works Park. Evenings would be filled with live music venues like The Showbox or intimate jazz at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, and casual drinks at speakeasies like Needle and Thread.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom, who has been the most influential person in my journey. Her guidance has been crucial in helping me overcome challenges and develop the resilience and qualities I rely on today. My mom has consistently been a role model, exemplifying how to balance career ambitions and family responsibilities as an independent woman. Growing up, I witnessed her discipline, organization, and dedication, which allowed her to succeed both professionally and personally.

Her advice has always stayed with me: “Rely on yourself to achieve your life goals; don’t depend on others. You’ll always feel motivated if you have a dream in your heart. No matter how tough life gets, always follow your heart and stay true to yourself—never lose sight of your originality.” These words have instilled in me a profound sense of willpower and authenticity, shaping me into the person I am today.

Website: https://www.jiajiajj.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiaj.i.a/

Image Credits
Jueqian Fang