Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaida Garrison.
Hi Jaida, 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 always wanted to be an artist, but never seeing anyone around me who had done it made it feel like something outside of my reality. I considered becoming an illustrator for an animation studio, becoming a graphic designer, and, for a while, I decided on becoming an art teacher.
I was in college for a while, on track to become an art teacher, but took some time off to evaluate my decision before paying for more classes, and I never went back. I don’t see it as a waste of time because I learned a lot of skills that I currently use in my projects, from art history and mythology to videography and color theory.
On September 1, 2021, I decided to go all in as an artist, focused on my own self-expression rather than getting hired for assignments or lessons. That decision changed my life.
At first, I became addicted to vendor markets, and at one point I was doing two to three a week. It was exciting to profit from my work. Then I got burned out, but by that point, I had connected with my community and met artists who were showing in galleries. I realized that it was possible to be the kind of artist I really wanted to be.
The following year, I began doing community events under the brand The Doper Show with my partner to showcase other artists in the community. I’ve learned to fully express myself, and I encourage others to do the same.
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?
It had been a smooth road of progressive growth. This year, I felt like I was on a roll. I was the art director for a musical theater production at Z Theater, became a contractor for the arts district, had a solo show at Norfolk Botanical Garden, and The Doper Show’s were going well, we even hosted one at The Chrysler Museum of Art.
Then, in August, I did the 48-hour film project with my life and creative partner, Tony. This was a challenge to create a short film in 48 hours, and we were the only two-person team. On our way into the theater screening, he was shot. This shook up my entire world. I have had to cancel all of my events and have been dealing with the grief and trauma from the incident.
Art has been the best thing for me during this time. It helps keep my mind calm. Tony has a big project that he wanted me to complete, so I have been painting every day and working on this project. I am glad that I have art as an outlet and a project that I believe will open people’s minds, just as he wanted.
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 create surreal portraiture artwork. I have experimented with several different mediums, but I mainly focus on oil and acrylic paint and graphite. I am interested in the space between the internal and external self, and how our personal worlds intersect with the people and environments around us. Through symbolism, storytelling, and a balance of beauty and mystery, my work invites viewers to look inward and consider the parts of themselves that cannot always be seen.
I am proud to have a recognizable body of work. People often say that they can tell it’s my work by the way I draw the eyes on all of my faces.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I don’t have any specific resources that I focus on, but whenever I start a new piece, I like to play art history videos on YouTube for inspiration.
I also enjoy flipping through books about art history, mythology, and the esoteric.
Pricing:
- Checkmate 2026, 36”x48”, acrylic, $4,000
- Crowning glory 2023, 18”x24”, oil, $1,820
- Harvest moon 2025, oil, 36”x24” $2,600
- Transformed 2025, 21.5”x18”, acrylic, $1,560
- Whispers of order 2024, 19”x25”, graphite, $1,300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jaidagarrison.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaidag.art?stkn=MWx5NmJqeGRuZzZ2cQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thedopershow?si=fCyaS2FNPU5s10JD
