Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmin Cage.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up, I was a pretty bored only child. My mom worked nights and slept days and since I wasn’t allowed outside unaccompanied and didn’t have cable TV or video games, art became my primary outlet. As a teenager, I designed album covers and tee shirts for local garage bands.
After high school, I’d take any work I could get; architectural renderings, commissioned portraits, murals, and faux finishing. After a spinal cord injury and subsequent surgery in 2017, I was unable to work. Pain medication and financial stress drove me to a place of darkness and despair, I saw nothing left to live for.
Miraculously, I found my way into a 12-step recovery program. I became licensed in Y12SR, the yoga of 12-step recovery. as well as heart-centered hypnotherapy. I began teaching classes at psychiatric facilities and outpatient treatment centers. As my physical and spiritual health improved, my artistic inspiration returned. I make it a point to participate in charity auctions; most recently, for Mid South Sober Living.
I’ve submitted pieces for the past two Art of Science exhibitions, benefiting LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. My children and I create and sell Christmas ornaments made from repurposed Christmas trees (donated by Lowe’s Home Improvement).
We donate 25 percent of the gross proceeds to charity. My creative process and work are more meaningful now that I appreciate each day, and I feel that my talents and abilities are worthless if I’m not sharing them freely.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My children and I spent six months living in a homeless Women’s shelter. We were given state-sponsored insurance, section 8 vouchers, and food stamps. I never wanted to live the whole “starving artist” trope and felt a good deal of guilt at times- wondering if my passion for the arts meant my children and I would be relegated to a life of poverty.
At one point, I had three-day jobs in addition to my freelance artwork. I’ve learned to be resourceful, realistic, and patient. I never want to revisit that life, but I also don’t want to live a fear-based life— good art doesn’t spring from that mindset. I just use those experiences as motivation, and to foster gratitude.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Having been in the freelance art business for almost 30 years, and at times with limited resources, I’ve become adept at working with mixed media. For example, I’m proficient in carpentry, sewing, and photography.
There were times I’d be stretching my own canvases, lighting and photographing finished pieces, and making the outfit I’d wear to a gallery opening. Through trial and error, I’ve found the richest pigments, the best archival and lightfast varnishes, and the finest acid-free papers and canvases.
When I make something for a client, not only do I want them to love what they see, I want the piece to survive the ravages of time, humidity or dryness, and light. I’m committed to creating an heirloom-quality product.
What matters most to you? Why?
Beautification. I want to highlight what’s beautiful. Recently, I’ve been creating portraits of reclaimed hardware. I picked up all of this vintage hardware and a lot of it was rusted out and distorted. I wanted to highlight the beauty and integrity in something that’s survived for so long.
Looking around Memphis there’s a lot of what’s referred to as “blight”. I started painting landscapes in a series called “blightiful”. When nature starts to take over; rust and patina and invasive plant species- there’s beauty in that.
I guess after living so many years in pain and battling demons, I yearn to find positivity and beauty wherever I can- and when I find it I want to present it to others so that they may see it, too.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jasmincageart.com
Image Credits
Jacob Smith
