J. Alex shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
J., it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time—and truly find myself—when I’m painting and listening to music. It’s like stepping into another world where everything else fades away. In those moments, I feel most connected to who I am and what I’m meant to do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m J.Alex—a girl from the 810, adopted by the 313.
Through my brand, J.Alex Art, I celebrate Black beauty and culture with a signature style that sets my work apart: I paint people without eyes. This choice reflects my belief in having Vision Beyond Eyes—a reminder that I walk by faith, not by sight. It also invites viewers to connect with the emotion of each piece without relying on the traditional “windows to the soul.”
Right now, I’m working on several commissioned pieces, building out my home art studio, and connecting with curators as I continue to grow and share my work.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was leaving my hometown to attend Wayne State University. That experience opened my eyes to how big the world truly is—and how many unique people and perspectives there are to explore. It reminded me that I could dream as boldly as I create. Detroit, in particular, taught me how to hustle for the life I want. It shaped not only my work ethic but also my artistry, pushing me to tell deeper stories through my art and stay rooted in authenticity while still evolving as an artist.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most is the fear of not feeling ready. I’ve told myself, “I can’t set up a vendor table—I don’t have everything I need,” or “I can’t make content—I don’t have all the right tools.” But the truth is, you’ll never feel 100% prepared for everything, and that’s okay. I’ve learned that you just have to start. Put yourself out there, and trust that the rest will fall into place.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is respect. I believe in carrying myself with kindness and intention—speaking when I enter a room, saying “thank you,” being polite, and acknowledging others with a simple “excuse me.” These small gestures aren’t just manners—they’re a reflection of how I was raised and the way I choose to move through the world.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Something I understand deeply that many people don’t is that sometimes things just don’t work out in your favor—and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it just means it’s time to regroup, refocus, and go back to the drawing board. Setbacks aren’t the end of the story—they’re just part of the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jalexart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.alex.the.artist?igsh=N3NhbDV5dW5oODFz&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568171285621&name=xhp_nt__fb__action__open_user
