Meet Jaclyn! Jaclyn is originally from North Bay, Ontario, but moved to Kelowna at a very young age. She loves to travel and discover new scenery to inspire her art.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in North Bay, Ontario but raised in Kelowna.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I can't pick just one. I am so fortunate and grateful to have so many wonderful friends that feel like my family that bring me so much joy, it is impossible to pick just one.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Opus for the art supplies. Funktional for all my jewelry needs. Lakeview Market for groceries. All three stores have the most wonderful staff!
Describe yourself in one word.
Resilient.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
South East Asia. I want the culture shock, I want to get completely lost in the colours and landscape and let that inspire my art. I would take thousands of photo and eat so much good food!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Walking around downtown, particularly in the spring.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Accidentally dying my hair purple, 20 minutes before having to go to my aunt's funeral.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
A couple years ago, my friend Alix suggested submitting my artwork to the Art On The Line Fundraiser at UBC-O. I had never submitted to anything in my life before, and wasn't even a student at UBC-O so it was exciting to have all three pieces accepted. Then, my friends and I got together to go to the show, and all three pieces went home in the raffle process. They cheered so loudly for each piece that was picked. Literally the roudiest group at the show, we definitely turned some heads! I had just started selling my art and putting it out into the world so the success from that fundraiser definitely gave me a lot of confidence and inspired me to keep going.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Dance parties with my grandma when I was a toddler.
The rose garden we had growing up and smelling flowers.
Sitting in the backyard listening to music.
These memories are continually at play throughout my artwork.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I've donated a lot of art over the years to silent auctions. I donate my clothes to the Women's Shelter on Industrial Avenue because I know the funds go directly to helping women. I have an abstract painting series idea I'd like to run through Instagram where half the funds go to a local charity like Mamas for Mamas. It's still in the works and it might not generate a huge cheque, but every little bit helps.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Less stigma towards mental health issues. We've come a long way globally but we need more awareness, acceptance and treatment.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Maude Roxby Bird Sanctuary.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
More affordable pet-friendly housing. I feel like there should be a cap on what you can charge for rent. Or a holdback on increases. I love this city, but housing is not affordable for single folks, couples and young families. The people that make your latte, serve you dinner, ring through your groceries, build your house, renew your insurance, cut your hair cannot afford to live here and that seems extremely unfair. Affordable housing should be a fundamental right for everyone. It's ridiculous that people are charging $2200 a month plus utilities for 800 square feet of liveable space and people are working 3 jobs just to make that monthly payment. There needs to be a shift in favor of the less established-- otherwise Kelowna will lose a lot great hardworking people.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The beaches. I'm a 5 minute walk from the lake and visit it all year round.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel through South East Asia, India, Europe
Publish my own coffee table book on my house paintings
Have my own house with a large art studio and garden
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I read my horoscope every single day.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram: @jackalope.art.co website: www.jackalopeartco.com
What is the name of your business/organization?
Jackalope Art Co.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I'm a completely self taught artist, who found my way back into art in my mid-20's. After much encouragement from friends, I started the art co. and put myself on the internet. Ultimately, I want this to be my thriving full time gig.
What is the goal of your business?
To create original artwork that tells a story, engages the viewer and brings them joy. Making people happy through my art, is incredibly electrifying.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding balance between my full time job, my art co., and my personal relationships.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wish I had of been more dedicated to my art practice at an earlier age.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Where are the snacks?" Most people who know and interact with me on a daily basis, know I'm highly food motivated.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't let your past circumstances hold you back from living your best life. Surround yourself with people who influence you in a positive way.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My best friend Morgan moved to PEI a year ago, and I miss her greatly.
If I could pick a famous person, Ashley Longshore. She's an artist based out of New Orleans who has this incredibly bold personality, and a wicked sense of humor. I was listening to a podcast interview with her and I was crying laughing. She is hilarious and inspirational.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
You're literally supporting someone's dream and helping grow our community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
This changes quite often. Right now, I'm really proud to have sold one of my largest abstract paintings to a friend's sister who lives in France.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I have never met Naomi, I only follow her on Instagram @naomidanialleintuitive. She seems like a rad gal who posts some very positive and inspirational messages/stories that have really taught me to breathe and dig deep into my own internal processes.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Naomi Danialle Intuitive.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart to everyone who's supported my art career so far. When you support a local artist, be it through social media likes, kind words, asking questions on the process, check out art on display, going to shows or even buying a piece of art... you're literally making a dream come true - and to be completely honest that's what keeps me going. A lot of hours go into creating art, and at times it can be incredibly lonely isolating work, so any and all support makes a huge difference to an artist.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
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