Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaritza Geigel.
Jaritza, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am a Queer, Native Afro Caribbean woman born in Brooklyn, NY. I was born into a family that practice Pentecostal Christianity and so for most of my upbringing the complete understanding of my identity was lost to me. I found that in my silent, often isolating, upbringing I spent most of my time as the silent observer & listener, but with a deep need to voice my thoughts, my questions, & confusion with my relationship to self & others.
In high school I felt lucky to have chosen a home, away from home, in youth organizing. I built & actively sought relationships that went against everything that in my upbringing I felt I had been taught to keep away from. Poetry & Writing became my saving grace. I was experiencing trauma that only recently I have begun to speak on.
It allowed me to take a look at myself, my chosen community, & our broader society in a way that felt safe. Post HS, I realized that I needed more than just what poetry & organizing could provide. I needed to actively shift habits that although it helped in my survival it no longer would suit me in the long term of my existence and success. I wanted to be able to move peacefully & authentically, but was unsure how – until I joined Warriors for Embodied Liberation.
I was finally able to understand intimately & safely where & how I needed & could shift for the better. I am finding very often that I re falling back in love with myself, with art, with moment work, & our broader community.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am an artist. I am a poet. My voice is often the tool I use to give life to the words written in my journal and on my personal blog that with more intention will grow and recreate itself into a space where folks can look to when life’s hardships are feeling like more than we can handle.
I want folks to learn that we can change. I want folks to know that although healing isn’t pretty that we are not defined solely on our trauma and that our joys can lead to even greater success. I want my vulnerability and resilience to encourage others to take the leaps necessary in their own lives, when they are ready, in ways that allow them to still feel safe. I hope that joy & love can win. I hope, even if it is one person at a time, that we can inspire each other to become the best parts of ourselves. My hope is that we continue to create space for one another, that we encourage each other, & that we won’t stop with just our own success, but that we will pull those who are willing & ready to move up along with us.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
Be humble. Understand we are student-teachers of life. Be open, ready to listen & reflect for the better. Choose to share space in a way that is authentic to your principles and values. Be in community with others. Learn to be compassionate with yourself because we are human and sometimes we will stumble. Don’t focus on how you failed, but focus on you are going to improve. Work on letting go on everything that is holding you back mentally, physically & emotionally. Accept that the process isn’t always pretty, but know that genuine effort you put back into your growth will propel you farther than you could have dreamed.
Lastly, but not least, do not give up on your dream there are many roads to it so have many, because all it takes is the one dream that will launch you into all of the others that are waiting to come out of you.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I am in the process of creating a poetry book that will go through the phases of a part of my life that held a strong hold on me mentally, physically & emotionally. I want to show how lovingly & fiercely i am fighting to maintain my humanity & how I am walking towards others.
Currently you can find my work on sippingonpoetry.wordpress.com. I would love to collaborate with instrumentalists, musicians, and other creative artists.
I would love to eventually be supported financially by my work, but humbly will be grateful to be in community and create beautiful work that teaches, inspires, & coaches’ others through the most difficult times.
Contact Info:
- Website: Sippingonpoetry.wordpress.com
- Email: jaritzaageigel@gmail.com
- Instagram: jaritza_geigel
- Twitter: Testinlifesh2o
Image Credit:
Jaritza Geigel
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