Erica Jae
photographer | poet | activist
Rochester, NY
Want to collaborate with Erica? Don’t be shy. Send her a message at ericajae90@gmail.com or thejaeera@gmail.com
Sex is cool and everything, but have you seen Erica’s portfolio?
Instagram is one of many platforms where Erica does, Erica. We’re not mad though.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on several conceptual projects in relation to healing the inner child. That's all I'm going to say for now. It could change in a few days!
What inspires you?
Primarily, my own life experiences inspire me. I intend for my art to tell a story. Most of my art is a reflection of the things I've been through or the things I'm trying to still figure out. Other people's stories inspire me as well.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Don't let love interfere with your art career" (...on the other hand, the heartbreaks helped me to create my material)
Who would you nominate to join Black Door? Why?
Angela Nelson (@whatupbrownskin), she's an amazing writer and has a great connection to artists in the community!
“Take all the leaps you can take. Do it as soon as you think of it without hesitation.”
What skill(s) would you develop if you had more time?
I would love to learn more instruments - more specifically, the guitar and the drums
What is the last thing you learned?
I went to a Buddhist temple today so I learned about their practice and the Sangha tribe. I also learned that the chant "nam-myoho-renge-kyo" translates to "devotion to the mystic law (karma) of cause and effect that exists throughout all the sounds and vibrations of the universe." The chant basically releases your present karma and creates new causes for the flowering of your personal enlightenment.
Top 5 Favorite Musical Artists of All time?
Nina Simone
Eminem
M.I.A.
Janet Jackson
Beyonce.
Who are some underrated creatives of color that shouldn't be slept on?
I've been following @Lunasolisto's photography on IG and her work is absolutely beautiful.
Lastly, my boy Chris Lagares (@stilldreaminofyou) is an outstanding street photographer. He's from Rochester but living in San Diego and is straight killing the photography game. I don't like the term 'underrated'. I'd say they haven't been fully appreciated yet. But they definitely should not be slept on. Also, not to be biased but my best friend Angela Nelson (@whatupbrownskin) is the dopest curator I know. She has a killer eye when it comes to aesthetics and design; she's a phenomenal writer as well.
What industry blogs/websites/podcasts do you enjoy?
This is going to sound like I live under a rock, but I honestly don't follow any blogs, podcasts or websites. I probably should. But I just hear about things from friends. I'm too much in my head and in my own art to read other stuff. And now I sound like a selfish bitch.
“I would never want to force my art. It just happens. Life is art, art is life.”
What do you think the future holds for people of color in creative industries?
The future looks BLACK AF, and not in the sinister kind of way. We are fucking breaking barriers and generational curses. We're learning to love ourselves more and we're growing as a collective. It's going to be a problem.
I just feel it.
What advice would you give to creatives of color looking to pursue their passion full-time?
Take all the leaps you can take. Do it as soon as you think of it without hesitation. Push the boundaries, stir up shit. Speak your truth because someone somewhere is waiting for you to do so. Free yourself and free those around you.
How do you keep your creative drip going?
At this point, I've learned to let it ebb and flow. I would never want to force my art. It just happens. Life is art, art is life.
Want to collaborate with Erica? Don’t be shy. Send her a message at ericajae90@gmail.com or thejaeera@gmail.com
Sex is cool and everything, but have you seen Erica’s portfolio?
Instagram is one of many platforms where Erica does, Erica. We’re not mad though.