BY SHALEEN DESTEFANO
Combining bold, bright colors, patterns and sharp contrasts, the vibrant art of Jahna Rae tells a story. She weaves together a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, aerosol and ink to create her textural pieces, giving them a highly emotional quality. We have been drawn to Jahna’s work for years after first coming across one of her murals at a Babe Walls event. We were overwhelmed with gratitude and respect when she agreed to showcase her work here and tell us her story.
Tell us a little bit about your background. When did you realize you wanted to pursue art? Who were your early influencers?
Growing up, my father was in the army so we traveled quite a bit and even lived in Panama. My parents preferred to limit the amount of television we watched so playing outside or creating art was usually what filled mine and my siblings’ time. My dad is an incredible artist and my mom is also very creative so I think I naturally picked that up from them. But seeing my father’s skill and passion for art has to be my earliest influence. I would say by the time I was in 10th grade I knew I wanted to be an artist after attending a month-long art program in NY where we were free to create and express ourselves through our work. By my senior year of high school, I knew I wanted to apply for art school. From there I attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where I received my degree in illustration. I actually stopped making art when I moved to Denver for various reasons but when I fell back into it in 2020, I started to find my groove again and couldn’t stop. By 2021 I painted my first mural and the opportunities kept coming from there!
How did you make your way from San Francisco to Denver?
After completing my degree in San Francisco, I moved back home to NY for a bit. I later fell in love with someone who was living in Denver at the time so I sold most of my things and moved to Colorado in 2017. The relationship ultimately did not work out but I’m grateful it happened because it led me to a city I love doing work that I love. I feel that everything happens for a reason and the happy life I live now must be it.
You had a two-month residency at Platteforum. What can you tell us about this amazing non-profit?
My residency with Platteforum was amazing. Their mission is to support BIPOC and LGBTQ+ emerging artists and I will say they did a fantastic job. They not only connected me with arts professionals and mentors but they provided a studio space, a gallery, a stipend for therapy and covered the cost of supplies. They encouraged me to really make the opening show my own and express myself freely. I was so grateful for that residency. It led me to an almost sold-out show and opened many doors for other opportunities. If I could do it again I would.
You say you create to explore your spirituality and the impact of human interconnectedness. Can you elaborate?
I feel that my spirituality has helped me grow and overcome difficulties. Believing that my own intuition would lead me down the right path is the reason I feel I am where I am not only in my career, but who I am on a personal level. I couldn’t have done it without my community and the relationships I’ve cultivated over the years. I believe we only understand ourselves in context to other people and that we are connected energetically. Once I began to understand that, I was able to change for the better. It deepened my connections and helped me express myself in my art in a new way.
Your paintings and murals prove again that the Denver art scene is brimming with a pool of unsurpassed talent. Who are you inspired by locally and who have you collaborated with in the past?
I’m really inspired by Thomas “Detour” Evans. Not only for his art, but by his drive to pursue his passion and how he shares resources and tips with the community. I also really love Rob Hill’s work and similarly, his passion for what he does. I haven’t had many collaborations, unfortunately, but I did get the opportunity to paint a mural with Emily Moore for the Fort Collins Mural Project in 2021.
Where do you find the inspiration behind your portraits? What are your guiding principles when choosing your subject matter?
Usually, I think more about what kind of presence the portrait has versus what they look like. I think we can feel and understand a lot through facial expressions and body language. I usually ask myself; what does this portrait tell me? How does it make me feel? What story can I convey with this image? Sometimes when I want a very specific pose, I take reference photos of myself or people I know.
What is your state of mind when you are painting?
Usually, right before I start a painting, I feel a bit of anxiety, wondering how I’m going to execute the idea in my head. But once I get going, I feel at peace. It’s meditative in a way– to have a few hours a day where all I’m thinking about is my painting clears my mind and keeps me in the present.
How has your work evolved over the years and where do you see it headed?
I think my art has evolved stylistically but also in an emotional way. I feel that years of exploring and finding my “style” has taught me how to be vulnerable and really put myself in my work. By doing this, I have found people are able to connect with it on a deeper level. I see my work possibly going in a more abstract direction. I’m working on detaching from realism and the overall need for perfection.
Can you give us a glimpse into your studio?
My studio is a tiny little room in my apartment. My art fills the walls as I’m running out of space to store it anywhere else, but it gives the space a creative and fun energy that keeps me motivated to paint and become better at what I do. I love to sit on the floor as I paint and listen to podcasts, audiobooks or music.
What is your advice for budding artists?
Be playful, explore different mediums, never stop being curious and don’t be afraid to fail. Failing to execute an idea is still a step forward in your process because it means you’re willing to try, and it prepares you for your next piece. Also, put yourself out there. Rarely do opportunities just fall into your lap. You have to be proactive about what you want to be doing.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Many more paintings and a few murals! I just participated in the Streetwise Arts “Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History” mural series last month. I also have an emerging artist residency with the Art District on Santa Fe with an opening show on November 3rd.
Thank you for sharing your art and process with us, Jahna! To view more of her vast collection, visit jahnarae.com.