APRIL JAKUBEC
Birth of a Mother, Acrylic and mixed media on canvas
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? My great grandma would have small sheets of paper and tiny markers waiting for me when I’d visit. When around 4 years old, I did a fairly basic yellow cat in a pointillism style. I believed her when she proudly announced to the whole room that I’d grow up to be an artist.
When did art become a pursuit? I developed sleeping problems 4 years ago, and so my mom gifted me some painting supplies to keep myself peacefully occupied during the long nights. I might have painted a few small pieces per year.
I decided just over a year ago that I’d give it a real go, and quickly discovered my voice.
Harvest, Acrylic, mixed media on canvas
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? Self-taught, minus the drawing classes in high school.
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? With pretty severe depression, most of my support comes in the form of online ‘likes’, but I do try to connect in real life at exhibits when I’m well enough!
What role do you think the artist plays in society? I consider myself an artist/advocate. Artists have the power to start humanizing conversations, promote inclusion, and empower vulnerability.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? Acrylic, mixed media on canvas with high gloss resin coating.
I have a cat, and acrylics usually dry fast enough to avoid tiny cat paws everywhere. The multi-media keeps my work experimental, and keeps me from getting bored. Then the resin keeps all the glitter locked into place!
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I am most inspired by learning real women’s life stories and mental health struggles. After a vulnerable conversation, I snap a few pictures of the muse, and paint her in a bright and positive way– showcasing her strength and resiliency.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? Mental illness is traditionally depicted as dark and gloomy in art. I reject this one-sided story of mental health by painting women who self-identify as living with mental health struggles in a bright and positive way. The eyes remain hidden, representing the unseen nature of mental health; and the blooms represent her strength and resilience. Each of these muses fight the shame and stigma that continues to keep people who are experiencing mental health struggles from being seen, heard, and supported.
Moonlight, Acrylic, mixed media on canvas
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? Birth of a Mother, standing proud at 5ft tall.
This was the first time I interviewed a muse before beginning her portrait. It was a true collaboration- pushing me to expand my style to reflect her story in a way she’d recognize. When I see the piece, it’s easier to accept my work without criticism, because it’s not about being technical- it’s emotional.. it’s a real woman’s story. And the process was healing for both of us.
What is one of your artistic goals? Not only do I want to help facilitate humanizing conversations around mental health struggles, but I want people living with mental illness to feel heard and truly seen.
What’s your favorite place to see art? The MFA is my happy place. Every time I visit, every single woman I see over the next few days just radiates as pure beauty– living art.. it’s so magical.
What living artists are you inspired by? My favorite local artist is Mia Cross. I can cry looking at her confident brush strokes and use of color. And her recent show, The Painted Place, made my smile hurt.
And turns out, she’s a sweetheart, too!
Do you own any art by other artists? I cherish the very few small original pieces I’ve invested in, and I’ve bought many prints of those whose work I can’t quite afford at this point.
Do you have any shows coming up? I have 4 pieces at MGH cancer center currently. I will have a closing reception for my time as artist in residence in New Bedford, MA at the end of March. Then I’ll be at Arts at the Armory for Somerville Open Studios in May.
SEE MORE OF APRIL’S WORK HERE:
Website: www.apriljakubec.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/aprilj222/