Jonesy (Krista Jones)
Krista M. Jones, also known as JONESY, is a contemporary artist, based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is best known for her vibrant, symbolic patterned based murals and complex canvas paintings. Jonesy has lived in Atlanta for over 20 years and In May of 2023, JONESY answered some questions for the Atlanta Street Art Map:
Please summarize some key points on your journey from being born into a military family in Dallas, Texas to present day Atlanta.
I was originally born into a military family in Dallas, Texas and spent most of my life traveling the world. My journey to this moment can best be summarized as “someone who has lived many lives in this one body”. My origin story starts in Dallas, Texas, but a year later I moved Bangkok, Thailand. English and Thai were my first languages and after that, I moved every 2-3 years. Living in Georgia multiple times in between places like Hawaii, Panama, Texas, and San Francisco. I’ve identified as an artist since I was a kid and although I hold a BFA from Columbus State University, I’m predominantly a self-taught painter. Atlanta became home to me in the late 90s and I have seen it evolve through the years.
How would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it yet?
I have two very distinct styles between my studio and public works. I also work in series in both areas. This allows me flexibility in the work I create, allowing myself space to evolve and explore. My studio practice is introspective. It is a place where my artwork is fueled by process, layering and gaining more understanding of my own human experience. I often explore gestural self-portraiture, figuration and abstraction with more personal themes using visual texture and exposed linear sketching elements. These works are rich with symbolism and meaning, but I enjoy allowing the viewer the space to interpret my work through their own life experience. Once my art is created, it no longer belongs to me. It belongs to those that witness it. My public murals are vibrant and colorful with stylized flora/fauna and sweeping patterns. I typically have a graphic style when working on murals. I want to bring unexpected joy to sterile spaces and overlooked spaces.
What draws you to animal and plant imagery?
Study of the natural world allows me to explore human experience and behavior through non-human focus subjects. By using this kind of imagery and symbolism, I can depersonalize the work allowing it to be accessible to a wider audience. I believe we are just mirrors of our environment and animal behavior can reflect a lot about the human experience.
Please describe some of the symbolism found in your murals.
Some of the symbolism that can be found in my murals focus on change, movement and growth. Things I’ve had a lot of in this life and most can relate in some way. Wave patterns represent change and movement in many cultures. The flora is a symbol of resilience and growth. I think most people see birds as a sign of freedom.
Tell us a little bit about some of the careers you had before becoming a full-time artist.
I have been working since I was 14 and I’ve had a long list of careers over the years. One of my first jobs in High School was a veterinarian technician at a 24hr emergency clinic back in Texas. I was travel agent for a couple years and began a career as a Tattoo Artist in the early 90s. I’ve tattooed off and on over the years since then. I spent over 13 years as a Graphic Designer working in the Newspaper and Magazine industry. I’ve also worked in management and sales for companies like Wolf Camera and HHGregg. I believe all these jobs have given me skills I use today in my own business.
How have your many travels influenced your work?
Travel highly influences my work because it is my lived experience, and my work is about how I process the world around me. Symbolism in the subject of birds speaks of travel- they are free to travel when and wherever they please. Much of my early life I had no choice in where I would be going and although I’m grateful for the experiences and resilience I gained from this, it was hard. As an adult, I have choice now and I embrace travel in an empowering way. When I started working for myself, I made travel a priority and budget for it at least once a year. It’s vital to my practice and growth as a person. New places, visual textures and experiences excite me and always promote exploration in my work and growth. For example, my fiancée and I have been spending a lot of time in the Southwest. I love the open skies and rock formations that can be seen out there. My current body of studio work has a lot of shapes and colors that are inspired by what I see from aerial views and landscapes.
The readers would be inspired to learn about how you triumphed over adversity.
This is a loaded question because I have a lot of aspects of my life that could be an example of this. I’ll keep it short and transparent. If you are struggling with hopelessness and/or drug addiction… I am living proof that there is a way out. I was an IV drug user for over a decade and have been free of opiates and alcohol for over 8 years. It is not an easy path, but it is worth it. I wouldn’t live any other way today and I do my best to embrace life and challenges head on because I know it helps me grow. Every day is bonus time and I hold so much gratitude for every experience because I never saw myself making it to my 40s. Now that I’m here and thriving, I’m excited to turn 50 soon. Being able to create is a gift and I would not be where I am today without community and creative ways to process life. Not suggesting everyone do this, but I quit my corporate design job a year into recovery and devoted myself to my work and a life that feels purposeful. I believe that when we live with passion and purpose not only does it bring joy into our own life, but others also feel this energy radiating. It is contagious, magnetic, and powerful. Hope it can be felt in how I show up in the world and in my work. Remember, it’s never too late to start something new and we can pivot anytime we want to as humans and as artists.
Link to Jonesy’s website: https://www.jonesyartatl.com/Back