Meet Jasmine Harleston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Harleston.

Hi Jasmine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins in Seoul, Korea where I was born and raised. I lived with my Black-American father, Korean mother, and older sister. My father was a colonel in the Army so I grew up knowing how to be a leader as well as a team player. I remember as a little girl always being outside, obsessed with the colors of nature and life. Catching exotic bugs with the other kids in the neighborhood and hiking through the deep woods of Itaewon Acres. We moved to Germany for a couple of years as well. Living overseas truly sparked something in me. I’ve always had a passion for creating, and my parents have always encouraged me to indulge in my passions. Now I live in Austin making music, painting and showing my art, as well as working and studying for my Masters in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Life is never really easy, there are struggles we all have to overcome but once we do, the accomplishment makes it worth it. Being a Black-Asian American female, I wasn’t sure how I would be treated throughout life. The first time I ever experienced discrimination was from a boy in my neighborhood who had thrown rocks at me, shouting racial slurs and telling me to leave the playground. I still think about that to this day as a reminder that just because someone doesn’t like who you are, doesn’t mean you should stop being who you are. There have been times when friends or peers doubted me, didn’t believe in my dreams or put me down to lift themselves up. It’s been a long bumpy road getting to where I am today, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The ups and downs have made me who I am, and that’s something I embrace.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Remembering where I came from and remembering the freedom of being a child inspired me to create art that embodies that freedom. Certain color combinations might be unappealing to others, but I paint in a way which all colorwork harmoniously together. My specialty is psychedelic and abstract fluid art. You get lost in every detail like a visual journey. My medium is acrylic with some multi-media and experimental pieces. I love to experiment with different styles, colors, ideas, etc., when I create. I want you to feel as if you’re tripping, even if you aren’t. My art shows bits of chaos, with a dash of peace and inner spirituality.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The pandemic brought my family and I closer. It was the fear of the unknown that taught me to appreciate all of the little things, including the time I spent with them. Life can get out of control sometimes, but Covid-19 forced me to take a step back, slow down, and focus on the people I care most about.

Contact Info:

• Email: Jgh.silverpaints@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JGHsilverpaints
• Instagram: Instagram.com/silver_paints