Meet Jackson Maloney | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackson Maloney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackson, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

I saw a trailer for an upcoming movie called “Blue Bayou” about a Korean-American man who was adopted at a very young age from Korea and spent the majority of his life growing up in the United States. At a certain point, because of circumstances not totally revealed in the trailer, he’s taken by I.C.E. and removed from his wife and daughter. It’s heartbreaking and intense to watch even in the trailer. It stuck with me. I know a little bit about I.C.E. – who they are, (some of) what they do, the effect the organization has had on families, but I never really FELT the impact the way I did when I watched it on the screen in the theater. It moved me. It drew upon my empathy, my feeling ability, and it created a strong sense of desire to do something in response. A few weeks later, when someone posted a story on their Instagram about volunteering to help shuttle recently released I.C.E. detainees to and from the airport, boarding houses, etc., I jumped at the opportunity.

I think seeing this social/human rights issue portrayed through an artistic lens motivated and moved me to take action towards that issue. And I think that’s the power of art and creative expression – to convey a level of truth and reality in an electrifying way that undeniably moves the listener, viewer, audience member, reader to the core and inspires them to do something about what they feel. And that’s why I chose and continue to choose art as a career. I’ve always needed that avenue of expression for myself personally, and it feels like a natural part of my process, purpose, and responsibility to share that with the rest of the world. If I can move a few (or many) people, cause them to think, reflect, expand their mind, be inspired to express themselves and take action, then I feel like I’ve accomplished what I’m here to do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As of right now, I’m in the process of building a bridge from part-time employment as an artist to full-time, fully employed artistry. It’s something I’m trying to put together piece by piece each day with little steps, and then also attempting to serve the larger vision I have by implementing certain structures and longer-term, bigger picture thinking about how I can make that all happen. Getting things in order like actual streams of income, a savings for the time in between, a community of support when I face doubt – things like that. So far, I’ve really liked having day jobs – which I’ve had a lot of – because it’s given me the financial security to pursue my crafts and focus on them without the pressure of needing income to support myself. It’s given me time to develop as an artist and find a better understanding of the path I want to pursue and exactly how that could look in the world. And, at this point, now feels like the right time to make the leap away from the financial security of a paycheck and pursue something that has more passion, zest, and draw for me. It’s a combination of calculated steps and trust in the process I’d say.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I really like the Mercury Cafe – good music, food, poetry, blues dancing, coffee, tea, desserts, cool, laid back atmosphere. I heard it’s going to be sold soon but the new owner plans to continue the vision of the place. I’d recommend going there. But to be truthful, I don’t think I’ve spent enough time in Denver to really be the best tour guide. I would probably take people out of the city and into the mountains, go to the hot springs, San Luis Valley, southern/southwest Colorado – areas around Ridgway, Durango, towards New Mexico. Valley View Hot Springs, the drive on Wolf Creek Pass, Million Dollar Highway – those are places I’d take people.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Definitely my family and especially my parents. They provided me with the opportunity to learn music since I was young. I started playing guitar at the age of eight and had an awesome character of a teacher who was very influential on me. There are a number of visual artists, singers, poets, and musicians in my family, so I think also just having that in my blood combined with the opportunity to develop a specific craft or skill where that can be expressed has been huge.

Then I’d also say all the musical, artistic friends I’ve had throughout my life. I’ve lived with a lot of different artistically inclined people – graphic designers, musicians, rappers, painters, etc, and they’ve all had a unique imprint on how I see the world and orient towards my own creativity. Just having those kinds of minds around to stimulate that mutual exchange of inspiration and creativity and conversation has been significant. And like most other things, surrounding myself with other artistically-inclined people has made an easier path for my own creativity to flourish.

Lastly, I would also say credit and recognition goes to the other community members, mentors, and people who have encouraged me to express myself authentically and to be generous with what I have to offer. That’s definitely helped shaped the person I am today, artist and otherwise.

Website: www.jacksonmaloney.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacksonmaloney/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jacksonbmaloney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacksonmaloneymusic

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fdQsSqq9pDSwKcWlnBHKR

Image Credits
Zach Mahone Mathew Davis