A&C INTERVIEWS
21 Questions with Jennifer Jesse SmithALBUQUERQUE, NM 22 December 2009 |
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Please explain what just happened….
I can’t explain what just happened, that can get masochistic. Explaining is what you have to do when you’ve been put on trial. It’s always up for speculation and interpretation. “What just happened.”
I will tell you a story, that’s more fun. I was looking for a new location to shoot photos of my work and also have a vacation. I had gotten wind from a friend about an agave moonshine called Raicilla. That was all the inspiration I needed to begin my hunt. I found my love, my agave treasure. Which, in its creation, was probably sucked through a radiator, beachside, in Yelapa, Mexico. To get to beautiful Yelapa, one has to travel by boat. The green-blue water lapping onto the white sand was tempting me to bask like a sloth, but I had my agenda and only a few hours left before I had to climb back aboard the grey-haired speedboat headed for the “All-Inclusive Puerto Vallarta.” To my fortune, a very cheerful and large mustachioed man approached me with a huge Iguana relaxing around his neck. He asked if I wanted a margarita. I said in terribly rough Spanish, “How about Raicilla?”
His squinty eyes flashed a mysterious smile as he told me to meet him under his cabana….
What is your earliest memory?
Aurora Borealis colors out a huge window, in what feels like a hospital.
If you weren’t a jewelry designer, what other profession would you pursue?
I am an artist, there’s no way around it. As an artist, I feel one can evolve, mature and expand through one’s art. Fortunately, I went to a college that pushed us beyond the old world constructs of picking only one art form. Sculpture, music, film, painting, and jewelry have all been my realms and chosen occupations. I’m very satisfied with these.
Please describe the current contents of your refrigerator.
Hatch Green Chili, Dos Equis Beer, Limes, raspberries, Raicilla moonshine, and bacon.
What verb best describes you?
Create.
What would you say to yourself if you could go back in time and have a conversation with yourself at age thirteen?
Trust your feelings. Humans are vampires on the dark side and compadres on the light side. No one has your answers, because they are yours.
What are the steps you take to regain your composure?
Going within, beauty, and then some tequila.
Define “success.”
For me, success is a balance between love, creative work, play, and meaning. Walking your own path and not being a victim of the collective.
From what do you derive you greatest inspiration?
My incredible artist mother, Joseph Campbell, Jung, my childhood, my Lakota Grandma, Shamans: Byron Clary, Jeanne Relyea. The healing arts, music, art, writing, film, dancing, my photographer Peter Weidenfeller, the Black Keys, Russian fairy tales, ravens, Rumi, Love, ohh wow the list could go on and on…The mysterious nature of being.
What change do you what to be in the world?
I am the change.
Are you pro or anti-emoticon?
I’m anti, you miss the juicy bits of real connection.
How are you six degrees from Kevin Bacon?
I’ve worked in the film biz.
What makes you feel most guilty?
When guilt does come up, I deconstruct and move it out of my chakras.
Please list three things you never leave home without.
My writing book, my ipod, Xocai Chocolate
What is the worst piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
Art doesn’t pay.
What is the best advice you’ve ever given to someone else?
Seek your own true nature, go within, therapy is necessary on planet earth, listen to yourself, allow yourself to feel, this is it…make it real and most of all, celebrate.
What do you consider the harshest kind of betrayal?
Betraying a child…it can take many lifetimes to heal the shock.
Of all the game shows that have graced our TV screens throughout history, which one would you want to be a contestant on and why?
I didn’t have a TV growing up and I’m thankful now.
What do you want to know?
This is my motto on “knowing”: I always know what I need to know when I need to know it. That keeps the pressure off and my awareness in the moment. To know thyself is the best kind of knowing.
What would you like your last words to be?
My last words will be. 1) Thank you. 2) I’m sorry for any suffering I’ve caused you. 3) I love you. 4) Shine on, you crazy diamond.
Please explain what will happen.
“The future is unwritten…” -Joe Strummer (and that’s the adventure of it all!)
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These pieces are beautiful. I love them. I’m wearing Dressed to Kill to lunch today. I always get so many compliments on it. And the website looks awesome.
Keep creating, my dear friend.
My Bud in life, the love of a great story and 100 Blue Agave !
So proud of this article and to be a featured quest on TNB ! Thank you my Dear ! putting the finishing touches on the newest in The “Dressed to Kill ” Line for Valentines…hummm it looks like there is already one with your name on it! Love JJS
I’ve seen Jennifer’s stuff in person and it’s terribly lovely. We need more artists like her.
I think we come from a similar mold ! Much good vibe for the new Year and prosperity for all of us artist, writers, musicians, film-makers, that continue to create art into the world. Thank you Sarah!
Gorgeous!
Thank you ! So proud to be on TNB !
Hey Jennifer:
Shine on, you crazy diamond. I do so love wearing your jewelry. Especially when I perform. It elevates me, makes me stronger. A much fiercer Ferguson on the microphone. Peace and tequila…
I go to glee when I see the buzz and bee my work takes in by your Phoenix mix- master shaman poet
wizardry! “Spontaneous creations and elations”, come over me ….
Thank you my friend ! I so admire your REAL your art your magic !
Peace & 100 Blue Agave for the Heart!
Jennifer, my beautiful cousin, your work has always been gorgeous. I’m so proud of all that you do. Now that the baby’s here, I need a NM vacation to visit you and drink delicious tequila.
I am always amazed when a native sticks to there vision and next thing ya know boom there being written about and then every one knows about the brilliance that I already knew Now their sharing more about their vision and their Art. Jenn you are in inspiration to sticking to your guns and living your life in balance. Bravo
Jenn’s and her art are truely inspiring and thanks to TNB for sharing her beauty with the world……yo my friend what’s next???
Jennifer , my twin flame/same tribe/kindred pilgrim! so proud to see this story, and feel your spirit and personality all around me as I read. Your essence shines through! just as in your art! Sebe gave me your Santa Fe cross for Christmas and got my three daughters your Double Peace dove necklace. I googled you to tell them how lucky they are to have a groovy Aunt with groovy friends, and sent them your Bio. Ha! We all love your stuff, because you let that little piece of God, which is housed in your spirit, shine through! Love you so much! SO glad I got to meet you and Cathy when Sebia was in UNM. I also am a lover of the 100% Blue Agave….. Love always,
Sara
A true pleasure to read more about a great New Mexico artist!
Jennifer has a charm and sincere talent that is reflected in her words, and works
In an age where nothing much seems new, and inspiration is tough to catch sight of, I’m envious and very appreciative of what she designs, and allows us to benefit from.
You are taking your place in the world and sharing your creative spirit with those ready to receive it.
Nothing could be better! Keep on creating – the world awaits!
Jenn is one of those rare people that can’t help but create beauty in her life. She is a lovely woman on the outside, but more importantly, on the inside. That coupled with her talent and grace, can only create the elegant works she is turning out. There is the appreciation of the past so evident in her work, but with a Jenn twist (Not a drink). Thanks to her mom too! You do amazing work, Cath, but it appears your masterpiece is your daughter.
Jennifer I absolutely love your work. I get so many compliments every time I’m wearing your pieces. I am addicted, I have to have more. I have to say my husband is a huge fan of your work also. You do amazing work…keep it up.
Jenn, what a cool article. So good to see you doing well. It is always a blessing when I run in to you…. hope it will be soon.
Lovely work!
Jenn, your time is now. Good work, and good luck! I believe you are going places
You have brought your light from within and are sharing the brightness of beauty with us all. Thank you for your inspiration.
Your jewelry always gets compliments when I wear it, and it always gives me a peaceful feeling. Thank you so much for sharing your kind and gentle soul.
This is a lovely and talented girl. anyone should be so lucky to have a piece of her jewelry/art! she is from great stock and i’m sure we will see a lot from her for years to come. my glass is raised to more interviews and press about her.
Shopped in Santa Fe today with my mom, loved your jewelry pieces especially a ring. Do you have a place in Abq. we could see some more?