“Albuquerque is about being part of a community of artists that are working just because they love to.”
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Meet Jami, a conceptual artist and sculptor whose journey intertwines with the rich tapestry of Albuquerque.
Jami’s journey into the world of art is a fascinating exploration of borders, continuity, and the intricate relationship between humans and nature. Through her work, Jami seeks to challenge conventional narratives and invites viewers to question their own perceptions of beauty, tradition, and belonging. Each piece tells a story—a story of resilience, of interconnectedness, and of the human experience.
An Artistic Awakening
“I mean, if you could make a tagline for me as an artist, I think it would be ‘It’s complicated.'”
For Jami, the path to artistic expression was not one of grandiose beginnings or overnight success, but rather a gradual unfolding. After spending years in corporate roles, Jami made the decision to return to art school at the age of 40. Despite being older than most of her classmates, Jami approached their artistic journey with a sense of freedom and openness. Liberated from the pressure to conform to traditional timelines or expectations, Jami embraced experimentation and growth, allowing her creativity to flourish without constraints.
Living in Albuquerque has deeply influenced Jami’s artistic vision, connecting her to the historical lineage of people who have worked with the land for thousands of years. Inspired by the rich cultural tapestry of the region, she finds solace in being part of this continuity, allowing it to shape her creative process and choice of materials.
Her artistic journey was not without its challenges, as she questioned the ethical dilemmas of being an artist in a world grappling with environmental crises. Yet, rather than turning away from these complexities, Jami embraced them, using her art as a tool for introspection and exploration. In doing so, she hoped to inspire others to confront the borders—both physical and conceptual—that separate us from nature and each other.
Photo taken by Jessamyn Lovell.
Beyond the Mold
Soon after this discovery, Jami traveled to Mata Ortiz, the northern Mexican village renowned for its ceramics. She spent 5 days with master potters Hector and Graciela Gallegos, who taught her how to make ceramic vessels using a 2,000 year old process. It was here that she learned to forage and prepare clay, build with coils, polish with stones, and fire in a pit.
Once home, Jami was eager to explore her ideas. Jami was captivated by the connection between the plastic bottles and potsherds. “I wanted to re-conceptualize the plastic bottle to better represent its function as a precious object—a vessel—capable of sustaining human life. It was my hope to illuminate the necessity that feeds ubiquity; to expose the porous nature of “borders” as well as the “nature” of art and pollution; and to record my interest in the permeability of all things human, natural, and technological.”
The significance of Jami’s work lies not only in its artistic merit but also in its ability to spark meaningful conversations and reflections on complex social and personal issues. By engaging with her audience in an accessible and authentic manner, Jami fosters a sense of connection and possibility, inspiring everyone to question the status quo, challenge conventional narratives, and embrace the power of creativity to shape a better world.
“We need to have a more complex understanding of ourselves and the things we make.”
Photo(s) taken by Addison Doty.
Shaping the Future
“In a time when so many young people are struggling with the idea of a lost future, the plastic bottle has become a vessel for our self-loathing as a species, ubiquitous proof of how doomed we are. It just feels so important to just offer a different kind of possibility.” Jami’s impact extends beyond her artwork; she has become a source of inspiration for young people, receiving messages from students who admire her work and are inspired by her journey.
Jami’s series of 108 rattles, resembling miniature plastic water bottles, stands out as one of her most notable projects. Inspired by the symbolism of the number 108 across various cultural and spiritual traditions, Jami embarked on this endeavor to underscore the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment. By offering a different perspective through her art, Jami aims to instill a sense of possibility and connection to nature among the youth, countering the prevailing sense of eco-pessimism and disassociation from the natural world.
In a world often clouded by pessimism and uncertainty, Jami’s art serves as a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.
“When the world feels like it is falling to pieces, I look to art for beauty and possibility. By provoking feelings of desire or tenderness or even delight in response to sculptures that reference the plastic bottle, I want to interrupt the story that we humans will inevitably doom-scroll ourselves and the earth to apocalypse. By pulling it away from the profane and towards what we perceive as beautiful, natural, or sacred, I hope to open a space where we can find some self-forgiveness, and perhaps even the belief that we might have—and deserve–a future after all.”
By challenging conventional narratives and embracing the power of creativity, Jami inspires us all to imagine a world where art is not just a reflection of our reality, but a catalyst for positive change.
See where Jami’s work is showing next — explore upcoming events on ABQToDo.
Art Every Day Of The Week
When you start to look, you’ll see art everywhere in Albuquerque. Use this calendar to find an arts and culture event near you. Take a friend, bring your kids, or go on your own. Become a part of the arts and culture community in Albuquerque. You’ll be glad you did.
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