Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason “Jay” Flack.
Hi Jay, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2010, my twin sister (Jessica) suddenly died in her sleep. Shortly after, I would become homeless. I was lost, lonely and I needed something to bring me out of the darkness my grief placed me in. I lied to my mom about how I was living at the time, and she called me one day while on a job site—she found a house for me!
Finally, I had a home and I should be happy, but I had never been so alone before. On top of that, a close friend of mine got in trouble and was sent prison and it devastated me. After his sentencing, his mother gave me an old paint set. I didn’t think much of it, and put it away. Desperately searching for therapy, I discovered that painting gave me two things I needed in a bad way: results and forgiveness.
In my home town, Johnson City, Tennessee, I became known as an “Artist Advocate” and I would speak up for the talent that would be ignored and passed over so often. The bigger gigs were going to artists from out of town, and the gallery’s weren’t looking at local talent. The art scene was in danger. Soon after gaining the spotlight by being outspoken about local art—I would reveal that, I too, had paintings of my own. And it’s been on ever since!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, nothing was smooth in the beginning. I can’t describe how debilitating it was for me to lose my twin sister. I used to sleep in a Nissan Sentra and think about ending it all. I learned to park in hotel or hospital parking lots because no one would call the police on me there. I went from living on the streets, and working three jobs, to painting every second I could.
But for me to break out and get the attention I wanted for my art, I needed to become more bold, prolific and step out on stage—literally. It was time to come out of my shell. The art scene needed spokespersons. So, I went from being shy, and sort of a wallflower, to not only being a locally beloved artist, but also a community leader, instructor, and speaker.
I used to stay up at night painting. My twin died in her sleep. Subconsciously, I avoided going to bed. So, why not create while awake? I would go without meals. I just wanted to achieve—not just for my own individual success, but to enhance the identity of my little city, big town, Johnson City, TN.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been told I am an “Urban Folk” and expressionist painter. If you mixed Basquiat, Keith Haring and some artists from the “Beautiful Loser” era in a lender you would get me. I like bright colors, to represent energy and I used bold black outlines to indicate strength and foundation.
Artists, typically, are reserved and quiet—I am not only a painter, but I also teach and give speeches throughout my region. I think I am proud of two things the most: stepping up to be a leader and to have so much work done, in a short time. I don’t like lazy, I’m very industrious, some would say exhausting, and I would agree, but even a long life is a short one! I’m known for my contagious energy, determination and my passion for creativity.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
The greatest memory of my childhood is when my parents, a young interracial couple (in the South!) moved my sister and I out of a rundown, dangerous apartment complex, into a wonderful, safe neighborhood. We used to take weekly trips to neighboring city to visit family. After a trip back, we walked into our apartment and everything that had value was gone—it had been burglarized. We already didn’t have much, we weren’t a rich family, but that was the tipping point.
Once we moved, life changed. We became a closer family, had outdoor chores to do and we filed into the typical American dream people speak of. We were surrounded by nature, love, art, other kids that didn’t ask “what” we were—nothing like where we came from!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artbyjasonjayflack.com
- Instagram: @artbyjasonflack
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/JCdRyqELGdc
