A F R O C H I C K M A G A Z I N E | Vol. 1 (December 2013) | Page 23

A F R O C H I C K | M A G A Z I N E 23

Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
The artistic life can be lonely in the sense that I am alone a lot of the times I create; I love this! I
thrive during my alone time. I do not mind it because I am a loner, who likes to be alone. I thrive in
silence, peace, and quiet. I know my sensitivity and feeling things deeply is connected to being
artistic. I would not trade it for the world. I assess my feelings and process them, good and bad,
and do my best to process my feelings/emotions in a constructive way, rather than thwarting them
or beating myself up for being angry, for example.

How does natural hair care play a role in your life as an artist?
I began my transitioning journey in June of 2013, eight years ahead of schedule. With this
relatively new embarking, I am still coming to terms with this new chapter that I am completely in
love with because it is educating, enlightening, and empowering. It calls to question and deeper
consideration of my thought process when writing my thesis six years ago and now.
Have you ever painted pictures that depict natural black women?
I paint faces with shades of black skin. I have yet to paint images of black women with natural
hair. It is definitely something I look forward to considering, processing, and doing.
How do you take care of your hair as an artist?
A woman's hair is her glory no matter how she decides to wear it/care for it. Whether my hair was
relaxed or is transitioning, it is of utmost importance to me to care for it with deep conditioning
and hydration. I am enjoying my hair process of traveling back to my natural hair, twenty years
later. My mother had a relaxer put on my hair when we moved down South--something I look
forward to delving more into during my continued graduate studies.
When is your next art show?
I look forward to Summer 2014!
Where has your work been shown?
My work has been a part of the 16th Annual MFAH Citywide Artist Exhibition and with Studio 1034.
Can clients purchase your work online?
My work is not currently on sale online. I do take special orders at this time via my contact page
on my website.
What is you r dream project?
My dream project is to do a series of murals of positive images across the world.

ARTIST: PROFILE: J.J. Vann | J.A.D.E. | Houston, TX
Twitter: @29tothirdpower | Website: www.jjtothirdpower.com