Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Jones (aka Jonesy).
Hi Krista, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always identified as an artist and because of the complexity of my life’s story, I’ll just focus on Atlanta where I chose to make my home. I originally moved to Atlanta in 2007 after having spent years playing music in the experimental noise scene here. I have been in and out of Georgia most of my life and I chose to settle down here because it keeps me closer to family, it’s open-minded for the South, an international hub and offers a lot of opportunity as a visual artist.
Most of my studio work is introspective. It focuses on topics of human experience and how I fit into this world. It allows me to be the observer of my own life and step outside of myself to gain a wider perspective. It has always been a form of healing and processing for me. So, it usually it doesn’t matter where I go, because there I am. Of course, environments shape us too and my work has evolved because of living in Atlanta. I have evolved as a person because of living here. It has been a dominant city in my art career over the past 20 years and it has witnessed the full spectrum of my life and work. From selling scrap art on the streets of Little Five Points many years ago to my upcoming solo exhibition at The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning, which will open in summer of 2023.
Atlanta is where I embraced public art and large-scale murals. It is where I empowered myself to clean up my life and take on new challenges. All of this is directly connected to my art processes and concepts. I came back to Atlanta in early 2015, newly sober. Having survived years of serious opiate addiction and the loss of my wife, I was trying to find purpose in this new life of mine. As strange as it may seem, I came back to the city that almost killed me to find and share hope. I didn’t know it at the time, but this is the core of why I continue to do what I do. It brings me great joy to see how my work impacts others in real-time. I have been living bonus years and feel a deep responsibility to share my story and my art whenever I can. Many of us don’t survive, let alone thrive on the other side.
In 2016, I took a leap of faith and quit my design job to pursue fine art full-time. Corporate America had been killing me, literally. I had no road map for any of this and it has taken me years of fumbling and being immersed to find myself creating works that I’m proud of. It took me a while to figure it out (still working on that), but persistence is key. Showing up consistently and authentically is vital for sustainability. Over the years of living in Atlanta, I’ve learned how to say no to things that do not align with my beliefs or direction. I’ve also learned that rejection serves an important purpose. It builds resilience and can be the fire to inspire you to keep stretching yourself. Trust me, I’ve had many rejections and “roadblocks” along the way, but I’m in it for the long game as they say. Now I work with clients that span from City Governments to Non-Profits and everything in between. I truly believe what is meant for us will present itself if we stay in action.
Of course, it isn’t just living in Atlanta that affects my art practice or concepts. It is the people here that have helped shape me and my work. The deep connections I nurture with other humans, coupled with my belief in collaborative energy is what fuel my growth and expand my work. I have made some of my closest friends through working with other artists and arts organizations. Atlanta has given me community which continues to drive my public art process and feed my spirit. Being an artist is not the easy route. Working for myself and wearing all the hats can be exhausting, but it is worth it. I am so grateful for the arts community I have become a part of and all of the people that love and support me. Today I am living a life I never dreamed possible, with a career I love and a beautiful fiancée that inspires me to be a better version each day. I’m living proof it’s never too late to create a life that brings you joy and we can start again at any point in our journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing about my road to get here was exactly smooth, but what I’ve found during this journey is my greatest obstacle in my life has been myself. Oftentimes, it is the narrative in my head conditioned by society and other people. You know that voice in your head that sounds like yours, but it’s not. The one that says, “You’re not good enough, they’re not gonna like it, and they aren’t gonna like you. What’s the point.” It’s just lies that we tell ourselves. Believing those lies talk us out of taking risks. In order to succeed in something, you have to take a risk. Push past fears and challenge yourself. You have to get good at experiencing rejection and use that as fuel to stretch yourself. Grateful I can just tell that voice, “Thanks for sharing” and move on to my next challenge now.
I truly believe that the unknown is where all of the possibilities exist and it has helped gain accomplishments and me overcome obstacles by facing it head-on. I think I started shaking off a lot of that negative self-talk when I decided to change every aspect of my life. I found healthy ways to cope with life and I’ve been free of opiates and alcohol for almost eight years now. It is one of the best decisions I ever made, next to working for myself as an artist. Without my recovery, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I focus predominantly on visual arts, large-scale murals and canvas painting. Sometimes you’ll find me project managing, art consulting or collaborating when I’m not doing my own lead projects. I work in a variety of mediums but love acrylic and latex because of its fast dry time. It forces me to not overthink the actual painting process. Most of my “work” is done researching and conceptualizing before I begin painting. My background is in photography and graphic design and all of that is beneficial in my painting practice. Regarding public art, I am best known for my vibrant pattern-based murals, embedded with symbolism and elements of nature. My studio work is typically figurative and expressive. Up until recently, I’ve had two very distinct styles that I explore, but I’m currently working on a new body of work that merges the two. This will be shown in my solo exhibition next year.
It’s hard to pick something I’m most proud of when it comes to projects. It’s usually the one I’m on or just completed. Right now, it’s my most recent canvas piece called “Keyhole”. It feels pivotal and I’ve had interesting feedback and translations of this piece so far. In life, I’m most proud that I took a chance on myself and had the perseverance to make it to this moment.
One thing that sets me apart as an artist is my ability to accurately recreate a mockup at any scale. Not sure when I realized this was a gift, but this understanding allows me to work with clients and fellow artists with consistency and meet expectations. Especially as a muralist. Not only makes me a great lead artist, it helps as a collaborator and artist assistant. When others work with me they are going to have someone that shows up and efficiently executes in a professional manner. I pride myself in breaking down stereotypes around what an artist is. Something else that sets me apart is I believe in the power of collaboration. It keeps me grounded, connected and humble. It helps me grow and evolve. I love working with other artists and helping create beauty in this world. It doesn’t always have to be “my work”. I have made friendships that I would have not experienced otherwise and will continue to move in this way.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Qualities I value in myself and others as visual artists are professionalism, compassion, detail-minded, self-awareness, collaborative spirit and humility. I believe consistently showing up and focusing on an approach to art in a collaborative way is vital to my success as an artist. I know there is plenty of opportunity for us all to create and prosper. I want others to be lifted by my work and my presence.
Contact Info:
- Website: jonesyartatl.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/jonesyartatl
- Facebook: Facebook.com/jonesyartatl
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8xVstWDEe-nBIRpNkQVhoQ
Image Credits:
Artist Headshot Photo by Chad Edwards
