Meet Jayden Edwards | Student & Artist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jayden Edwards and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jayden, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursue artistic and creative avenues in my career choices because these jobs and these projects are important, no matter how small they might be. Being creative and even just feeling inspired allows people, especially artists, to feel as though they can contribute their more abstract ideas or expertise to the development of a central goal. I am always looking for other ways to get things done, where creative aspects of writing, imagery, and design can be applied to feel more ‘human’. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Public Administration, with an interest in museums, education, and the accessibility of these institutions to the general public. This degree follows a stint doing photography and then switching to Art History in my bachelor’s track and moving across the United States to do so. Photography is a passion of mine, and it goes hand in hand with traveling and learning more about the city I live in. Through my master’s program, I am learning more about the different agencies that are involved with allowing creatives to have spaces in the city that are both accessible and well-funded. Using photography and image design in all of my career choices, I have developed projects for groups that will ensure that art is being taught in schools at all levels and that there are opportunities to do more artistic ventures in other childcare-based programs. I intend to pursue more creative avenues to keep photography, alternative printing, and story-telling through images alive for people of all ages and social brackets.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am both a full-time student and an employee, working to fund my education and practices outside of my school work. I have a few part-time jobs, at a paint supply chain and a dine-in movie theater, that allow me to connect with people that are primarily older than me and who usually understand what it is like to be young and want to have a creative career. I work full-time hours every week and simultaneously have a full-time coursework load, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for doing something creative whenever I would like, but I have found that weekend trips and the occasional week-long trips are possible for me. I take these trips and time off to delve into what I am interested in, especially traveling somewhere new. I come from a split family background with a basis in the military and have had the opportunity to travel because of it, although not always for fun. My family has been relatively supportive of my creative endeavors but they struggle to see the way that it could benefit me in the future monetarily or logistically. They don’t mean to doubt the legitimacy of an artistic career, but they neither came from a family that would have supported or who could financially afford to do so. It is my goal to show not only them but also myself, that pursuing my interest in the arts is fruitful and will be fulfilling as a career. Working like I do now is a short-term solution for the need to work somewhere and make money while searching for a more creative outlet.
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.
I currently live in Richmond, the capital of Virginia, and a tourist attraction saturated in layers of history, delicious food and a lively culture. Having moved around a lot as a kid and even into my late teens, I quickly learned how to determine where the spots in the city were. A key part? Look for the crowds! The absolute first stop would be Moore St Cafe, their pancakes cover the plate and their drinks are mixed in miniature pitchers, which always makes for a great ‘first breakfast in Richmond’ post. Ideally spending the next few days in Richmond during the soccer or baseball seasons, Richmond has both the Richmond Kickers and the Flying Squirrels respectively, allowing for anybody to get their fill of an afternoon game full of action. I have a central apartment in the downtown Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy (VCU) area, from craft beer to riverside views, we have it all. The week would be spent going from one historic site to the next, starting at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) to wander around their colorful and insightful exhibits, over to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture next door to see the true charm in the different regions of Virginia. There are never ending options; The Poe Museum, Science Museum of Virginia, American Civil War Museum, and the Black History Museum of History & Culture, all with rotating exhibits that truly pique the interest of their audiences. I wouldn’t say that museums are all Richmond has to offer either, the city is a central point for a multitude of trails and parks that stretch hundreds of miles in any direction, all with their own views and quirks. There is a trail for everyone, but the most iconic runs along the old train tracks and city pipes on the James River, the Riverfront Canal Walk gets a lot of attention once spring hits in the city because of the different paths, the blooming flaura and the sheer spread of water that you can sit and have a picnic with on a sunny day. The night scene is not something to forget about either, from hitting the bars at places like Get Tight Lounge or even a mini golf course at The Park RVA, there is something for everyone, and so many places to eat in between.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who deserve a shoutout for the successes that I have had in my life. The friends who have become family, those abroad and close to home, and especially my partner, Oliver, who stands by me with every decision that I make to get me closer to impacting change in people around me. There isn’t one thing or action that has catapulted me to where I am, but having a support system has been essential and has made me feel as though I can conquer anything that comes my way.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaydenedwardsphoto/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaydensedwards
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