Meet Jazzy Elise: Fine Artist and Owner of Jazzymade®

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

Hi Jazzy, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I think of the work life balance, I refer to the definition, mental steadiness. I live a life dedicated to working hard but playing harder. I only have one life to live and therefore, I want to enjoy it. Because of this understanding, I know it is important for me to divide my time wisely. My balance comes from being creative, spending time with my family and enjoying the outdoors. As an artist, creativity comes naturally and rarely feels like work, more like extracurricular activities. The fulfillment of creating something and having a family to share it with brings me so much joy and mental stability.

There was a time in my life where I “worked” outside of my passion, I excelled and was promoted greatly, I spent long hours completing task and often times I was taken away from my family. This “work” was rewarding financially but I felt drained all of the time and would often turn to painting as a stress reliever. Now, that I “work” within my passion I feel rewarded emotionally and that joy is transferred to my family, I can enjoy my relaxing time because “work” was really just my play time.

I know dedicating time to the things that you love is priceless, this balance provides peace and satisfaction.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artwork is a collective of things I observe; I dont have a favorite subject matter because I just love the world around me. Before I paint, I say a prayer and ask God to show me how to create the thing He placed on my heart, the emotion I was inspired to replicate. It is rewarding when people describe my artwork and their reaction reflects the intention. My thoughts reached them without having to say a word.

When I started painting I was afraid of using to many colors, so I would chose 3 or 4 and stick with them. I was nervous that a wrong choice would ruin the entire piece. But observing nature has helped me overcome this fear. My favorite way of painting is to juxtapose colors with hard edges, It creates a subtle vibration and allows your eye to move across the entire artwork. You can look at the colors in pieces or as a whole, each part working together to create something greater than itself.

In the last 5 years my artwork has been exhibited in museums in and out of state, sold to private collectors and selling in public in retail stores. But I began painting 9 years before any of these achievements. Honestly, I was afraid of the disapproval of others and so for all of those years, my artwork was only given to close family as gifts and kept in my closet. It wasn’t until a family friend inquired and suggested I put them all on the wall. Overtime, I gained the confidence to share with strangers. My best friend Vliss told me my gift was on the walls and I needed to share it with the world, She actually told me if I didn’t she would be disappointed in me. It was her disapproval and soon others that has inspired me to continue to share my love for art.

So far it has been easy, stress free. I follow the path of least resistance, I go with what works and if I feel the slightest stress, I consider it isn’t meant to be. Having to balance the business side and the creative side requires some effort but I would not consider this a challenge or hard, just necessary. For the task that I cannot do I hire help, It takes a village.

Jazzymade® showcases artwork and products created by, Jazzy Elise, a contemporary artist based in Atlanta, GA, USA. I created Jazzymade® to brand my artwork. Last year I created the first and only hard bound sketch journal with my original artwork on the cover. It is for my fans who want to take art with them. I designed it to last and to inspire. My company goal is to create a place for creatives to gather, learn and share ideas. I realized that hiding my art behind closed doors wasn’t inspiring anyone, I want to help others share their light.

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?
I recommend Top Golf, Six Flags or Ormsby’s for mixing food with fun. I recommend The High Museum of Art, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra or Opera for music, art and entertainment. I recommend Centennial Olympic park, Piedmont Park, Yellow River Park or Black Shoals Park for outdoors with amazing water features. I recommend Georgia Aquarium or Zoo Atlanta for mixing learning with wonder.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Vanessa Thomas “Vliss” best friend and life coach. Many people told me in my lifetime I have talent and something to offer the world; Vliss gave me the facilitation I needed to actually pursue it.

Website: www.jazzymade.me

Instagram: @jazzy.elise

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JZZY.E/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcQpY9-cYGhWjzSCMzg-qsA