An Inspired Chat with Jacqueline Evadne of Virginia-Highland

We recently had the chance to connect with Jacqueline Evadne and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
This is going to sound like a cliché, but it’s true: I always lose track of time when I’m painting. I also lose track of where the paint is going—much to the amusement of my friends and family; I’m always covered in little splotches after a good painting session. I wear those splotches as a badge of honor, as proof that I was present in the moment and didn’t care about my appearance, only about the end result on the canvas.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m really fortunate to be a full-time writer and editor and to have a steady job that allows me to pursue my visual art on the side. In terms of my art career, I’ve been a practicing artist for more than a decade now, but I’ve only just begun to sell my work steadily over the past couple of years, starting in 2023. It was my goal that year to exhibit at one gallery. I ended up exhibiting in nine shows at several different galleries around Atlanta. In the years since, I’ve accomplished more than I ever could have dreamed possible, and I feel beyond lucky to be part of such a vibrant arts scene and to have such a supportive community around me.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I’m a very sensitive person (most artists are), and growing up, I thought of this as a weakness. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I realized what an unparalleled strength my sensitivity was. Yes, I feel pain deeply, but I also experience beauty on another level. The depth of my sadness and height of my joy both inform my art, and I wouldn’t trade that sensitivity for the world.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I always knew I could turn to books to escape whatever unpleasant reality lay before me. I could jet off to far-flung lands, explore uncharted territory, ride on the backs of dragons. Life was rich and magical because I was surrounded by fantastical ideas. And if I didn’t want to escape, but wanted to commiserate? There was always a book character who had not only gone through something similar, but they’d found a way to overcome it.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that authenticity matters the most to me. I’ve always been driven to express my inner world authentically, and that’s led me to establish a creative practice as an outlet for my emotions. For me, nothing feels worse than faking it.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
It’s funny; I actually thought about this concept recently. What would I be if I didn’t have the job title, accomplishments, and possessions I have now? I like to think that, at my core, I’m a compassionate person, a keen listener, a reliable friend, a curious learner, a creative thinker. Even without the title of “artist,” I’m still someone who seeks beauty and the expression thereof.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jacquelineevadne.com
• Instagram: @jacquelineevadneart