“Learn from the mistakes, take the risks and keep making more art. Take what you have learned and make it your own.”
When your heart tells you to go a different direction in life, would you have the courage to go for it? For Jayashree, that is exactly what she did in her pursuit of art. After spending years studying and teaching Mathematics, she realized that it is still art that brought her the most joy in her life. Jayashree followed her heart, resigned from her job and made art a full-time pursuit. Read on to learn more about Jayashree‘s story and how she is sharing the process of creating art to the community!
Hi, can you introduce yourself to our community and tell us more about the experiences that you offer through Verlocal?
Hi, I am Jayashree. I love playing with paint every day. Two years ago, I stumbled upon an absolutely addictive and amazing style of art called Fluid Painting. After many trials and experiments, I have come up with a way to teach anyone (with little or no background in painting) how to make absolutely beautiful pieces of art in three hours.
Tell us about your background: When did you first become inspired to do what you love?
Ever since I can remember, I have sketched, doodled and painted. However, all through my college years and years afterward, I studied and later taught Mathematics. Not art. It is art that brings me joy. In a moment of epiphany, two years ago, I decided to pursue making art as a full-time job. Now, I rent a large studio space at a prime location, teach workshops to share my work, participate in 15 local juried shows, take on large commission pieces for clients and paint all the time. I truly enjoy every minute of it.
What does your passion mean to you?
It is the fuel that keeps me going every day.
What made you want to pursue your passion and become a host?
My background in teaching has made it easy for me to share my work and the process in an effective manner with anyone that is interested. I have invested a lot of time in breaking down the steps to making a fabulous piece of artwork. It is really the most fun and rewarding experience for me to see someone else follow the steps and make it their own.
How would you describe the link between your classes and the community around you?
After starting these workshops, I held one at my studio for some youth in the community that is at risk of dropping out from school. Along with their mentors, 12 youth came over to create artwork. It was probably one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do when I get to share and be involved in giving back to the community.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn more about your passion?
Like what I told one of my Verlocal students who wants to pursue this form of art on her own, you have to keep at it. Learn from the mistakes, take the risks and keep making more art. Take what you have learned and make it your own.
How long have you been living in Seattle? What are some insider tips you’d like to recommend to someone who just moved to the city?
I have lived here for 25 years and have a lot to share. The Pacific Northwest is rich in natural beauty with hiking trails within driving distance and tons of other outdoor activities apart from fun things to do within the city.
What is your favorite piece of work and the story behind it?
I am getting ready with a series in preparation for a solo show on March 9th in Capitol Hill, Seattle. My favorite piece is one that was inspired by a hiking trail in North Bend. It is titled “Rattlesnake Reflections”.
Tell us about your favorite moment/ biggest achievement since you start teaching art.
One of my youngest students was a 12-year old that made a beautiful circular painting she wanted to turn into a clock. Her mother later told me that she redesigned her room around the colors of her painting.
What are your goals for the future?
To make art that starts conversations; to bring people from all walks of life together through art.
Any recommendations for someone who might want to start exploring a new passion?
Yes. Just try it. Experiences are richer than any other way to spend your time. You can only grow from them. What is stopping you?
What does Verlocal mean to you?
It has been very easy to set up the workshops on my calendar and let Verlocal take on the rest. It frees up my time and lets me create more art. I love that so many different people sign up for workshops. It makes the experience a rich one.
Share one quote that resonates with you the most and what it means for you?
You will never know until you try it. I tell myself this whenever I want to try something new and there is some hesitation.
Get creative with paint! Share your art journey with us and comment below before March 10, 2017! One lucky commenter will receive 3000 points to start painting with Jayashree in her class!
If you are a host on Verlocal and would love to feature on host spotlight, send us an email at [email protected] with a short paragraph about why you want to be featured!
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