Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessi Harris.
Jessi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hmm, where do I begin? Growing up, I always had a creative streak – I would spend a ton of time reading books, playing in the woods behind my house, or directing (super lame) skits with the neighborhood kids. I developed a love for critical thinking at a very young age, which mostly involved being the devil’s advocate and arguing with pretty much everyone. My family was large (8 siblings) and didn’t have much money, which made me extremely aware of their struggles and inspired a responsible and independent attitude in me, but also contributed to a feeling of vast loneliness – these childhood memories have severely impacted my worldview and style – as much of my art is directly inspired by childhood nostalgia, mental illness (I’ve struggled with depression/bipolar tendencies all my life) and the desire to help the people around me.
I always enjoyed creative thinking and working with my hands, but never knew I had any true talent until I went to high school and accidentally discovered that I could draw just about anything… and easily, too. Senior year of high school really enabled me to hone my skills as I went on to win awards for my AP Art portfolio of self-portraits and a dress made from recycled plastic knives. I faltered off of the creative path for a bit due to some mental health and financial issues and struggled through abuse, homelessness, and alcoholism while trying to pay my way through college. I will always look back at these experiences as some of the most formative aspects of my personal art style and philosophy towards the world.
About three years ago, I rediscovered my passion for art, sustainability, and social justice, picking up where I left off. The last few years have been spent experimenting with a variety of mediums as I networked and developed my personal style.
Since then, I’ve been blessed to have been a part of two galleries during Art Basel Miami (2018-2019), as well as a small gallery in Lake Worth, FL, and an online gallery in NYC. My work has expanded into larger pieces ranging from charcoal portraits and abstract paintings to hand-crafted accessories, wearable art, and interactive installations primarily made from recycled plastics.
My goal is to explore the connection between humans, technology, and the environment while inspiring positivity, inclusiveness, self-reflection, and action. Eventually, I hope to use my entrepreneurial skills and ideas to develop an organization that teaches art and trade skills to underprivileged children, the homeless, and those recovering from addiction. I also plan on creating many more murals, creating a sustainable fashion brand, and continuing my quest to make the world a more positive and conscious place through the subconscious effects of color, technology, and design.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been anything but smooth. I underwent some personal traumas (abuse, self-harm), as well as a ton of financial and relationship issues. Often times, I feel like I’m wandering the jungle with my machete, trying to forge my own path. But life is hard. My struggles have enabled (and sometimes forced) me to view the world from multiple perspectives which allows me the insight to connect and reach out to more people. Everyone struggles and I think the ability to share a burden or to share your own lessons is imperative in developing a brand or product that can truly leave an impact on people.
Throughout my life, these struggles and traumas have forced me to sit back and ask myself, “What are you going to do about it?” Am I going to sit around and grovel in misery, or am I going to do something with my life? Essentially, each struggle is an opportunity to repurpose my pain into something that could potentially teach a lesson or relieve pain in someone else. If something bad happens, I challenge myself to make it into something good. This way of thinking has definitely impacted my creativity as well. I always think of the laws of thermodynamics – energy cannot be created or destroyed, merely repurposed. I try to absorb this energy and channel it into something new.
Please tell us about FIRST WAX TREE.
So FIRST WAX TREE LLC is a single woman (me!) owned business located in South FL. It is a creative entity that emphasizes conscious design. I am most known for my large abstract and vividly colored paintings. Currently, I am in the process of rebranding myself – most of the products made are one-of-a-kind art pieces, but I’m also working on a new accessory line, as well as repurposing trash (old clothes, plastics, etc.) into custom fashion and/or installations. I’m beginning to work on some murals, custom furniture, mood lighting arrangements, and other things as well.
My pride and joy is based on this concept of sustainability and the recycling of energy. Every product I create is filled with myself – my desire to share a sense of hope and creative problem solving and a sense of connectivity to each other and our environment. I consider myself a holistic brand and don’t like to narrow myself to one product or anyone style. I love what I do because it’s an adventure! It is a reflection of my past and current journey towards finding my peace, helping the people around me, and instilling hopeful solutions to the world’s problems through the act of creative thought and practice.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would procrastinate less and have more faith in myself. I try to look at my failures and shortcomings as a teacher, and so try not to regret these things. However, my insecurities (especially as a younger artist) have definitely caused me to make a lot of mistakes.
I suppose, looking back, I would have a bit more pride in myself and be a bit more forgiving to myself as well. Lastly, I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask for help or support. There is only so much one person can do and especially for a creative, peer support is so essential to developing a sustainable practice.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 7047701079
- Email: waxtreeinquiries@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstwaxtree/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessi.harris.790
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