Hello friends,
We are thrilled to present a new face in the art world of San Jose. Jennifer Ma, recently relocated with her partner who’s born and raised in San Jose and was living in Los Angeles for work when they met. They’ve settled in to our wonderful city. It’s these connections how a city has been shaped with a massive multicultural identity and diversity. Families are built through people who have roots here, or whom settle here, eventually building a life here. In return when people establish in a city there’s an opportunity to learn about heritage and cultural nuances that we would otherwise not know about, for example diving into variety of delicious cuisine available to us locally that you can literally taste the world through its flavors, and that’s a concept we embrace through visual arts.
Jennifer Ma has been actively vending at markets where she sells her artworks from ceramic, repurposed furniture, prints, and original artworks in thrifted frames. After researching venues she finally stumbled through our doors with an initiative to learn about us and what we do immediately falling in love with the space and the artworks on display. Ironically we had found her online and immediately followed her work not knowing that we would be collaborating so soon.
Curating art on the walls or on our shelves in hopes that it stimulates and intrigues viewers is very rewarding. So when we heard from Jennifer Ma “ I can’t believe there’s actually a space like this in San Jose, I’ve been looking for months” immediately affirms that people find an appreciation in our curation. At the end of the day, we will continue to bring artists to our space that are a reflection of what we genuinely like to collect and view.
Jennifer Ma’s artwork is playful and reminds us how important it is to staying true to our youth and never losing the innocence we grow up with being explorers and experiencing all the arts and crafts were taught as children. The artwork in this collection feels perfect for an all ages atmosphere, parent collectors who have a perfect excuse to install new contemporary artwork in their children’s playroom is a perfect combination of a win win situation. Grown ups with a kid at heart mentality will have immediate complements on how cute the artworks are in any living space.
We welcome you to come out and see new artwork Saturday April 4th. The exhibition will be on view through the month.
Here’s an interview with Juan Carlos Araujo (JC) and Jennifer Ma (J.MA), we hope you enjoy the read, feel feel to drop us a line or like on the blog.
JC:
Yeah—honestly, I want this to feel super natural. Like we’re just talking, the way we did the other day at the gallery. I really enjoyed that conversation. It’s been a while since I’ve done an interview, so maybe there’s a little nervousness there, but there’s no point in holding onto that. We’re both here because we want to be.
Lately I’ve been writing more, and I think part of that comes from frustration. After years of doing interviews, on camera or otherwise, I started feeling like journalists weren’t always doing justice to the conversations. Sometimes it feels like they’re chasing headlines or trends. But when I sit down with someone, I try to be genuine, and I want that to come through.
That’s why I care about writing from my own perspective. And I always check in with the artist; send drafts, ask what should stay or go. As an artist myself, I know how important it is not to have your words watered down.
So yeah… thank you for inviting me into your home.
J.MA:
Of course.
JC:
I just saw a hawk—so I might get distracted.
J.MA:
Yeah, there are tons of birds here. Hummingbirds, scrub jays… it’s really beautiful.
JC:
For anyone listening, we’re up on Mount Hamilton—not all the way at the top, but high enough to see across the valley. And I’m here with Jennifer Ma—did I say that right?
J.MA:
Yep.
JC:
Cool. So let’s start simple. Can you introduce yourself? Tell me where you’re from—your background, your culture—whatever you want people to know.
J.MA:
I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley… that’s where I spent most of my childhood. I recently moved to San Jose.
I’ve loved art since I was a kid, but I didn’t realize it was something I could actually pursue. It was my high school teachers who encouraged me. They were like, “You know you can do this for a living, right?” That was honestly the push that got me into college for art. When I got there, I chose photography as my major at first. But I didn’t stick with it—I took a few classes and eventually dropped it. It actually took me about ten years, going to school on and off, to figure out what I really wanted to do. And it turns out… I like doing everything.
JC:
Yeah, it’s all art, right?
J.MA:
Exactly. But there was a point in college where a counselor told me maybe I shouldn’t pursue art. I wasn’t doing well academically. I’d do the projects, but I’d turn them in late or skip class. I was just trying to figure myself out. That’s why it took me so long to finish. I didn’t really have my head on straight back then.
JC:
Was that across high school and college?
J.MA:
Yeah. Teachers would tell me I had a good head on my shoulders and did strong work. I just needed to show up and be consistent. That was my struggle. Now I understand why. I don’t do well in crowded environments. I’m a big introvert. I do my best work when I’m alone. When I took painting at Citrus College with my teacher, M. Duffy, she let me work outdoors. I could paint by myself while everyone else stayed in the classroom. That changed everything for me.
JC:
Do you think it’s mostly about distraction? Or something deeper?
J.MA:
It’s more than distraction. I just don’t thrive in group settings. I need space to get into the right mindset to create. Sometimes it feels like that makes you an outcast; like you’re not participating the “right” way. But really, it’s just how I function best.
JC:
I relate to that a lot. So let me ask, were you kind of a problem child? A black sheep?
J.MA:
I am the black sheep in my family. And I’m the middle child too. I never really felt like I belonged. I was a loner in high school. But art was always there for me; it was my comfort. I could get lost in it, and nothing else mattered. That’s when I feel happiest…when I’m creating.
JC:
What did that look like growing up? What were you making?
J.MA:
Honestly, whatever I could. We didn’t have much money, so I wasn’t in extracurriculars. I just made things out of whatever I had. I remember when I was like five or six, I really wanted to be a cheerleader. My mom couldn’t afford classes, so I made my own pom-poms out of paper and just practiced at home. And to me, that was everything.
JC:
Wow. I relate to that so much. Same kind of upbringing - single parent, limited resources. I’d try sports or activities, and then there’d be fees we couldn’t afford. So you just… adapt. But somehow, all of that still leads you somewhere. Here we are. You mentioned working in another field before fully committing to art. Can you talk about that transition?
J.MA:
Yeah. While I was in school, I worked in hospitality just to get by. Eventually, I graduated with a general studio art degree. After that, I decided to pursue graphic design. I taught myself, just because I saw there were a lot of jobs in that field. And I did that for about four years. At the time, I thought that was the only way I could “do art”; by working for someone else. I hadn’t considered doing it on my own. But my husband really encouraged me. He told me I could choose myself; that I just needed a plan. So we went over our finances, saved up six months of expenses, and I quit my job.
JC:
That’s huge.
J.MA:
Yeah. I was miserable in design. I was constantly burned out. I realized I hate being told what to do; especially creatively. Every idea felt like it got shut down. I wanted to have the final say in my work. And I didn’t have the energy for my own art, or even for my family. That’s when I knew something had to change. So I quit—and gave myself a chance. The first thing I did after that was go to a market our friends were hosting. I saw all these artists selling their work, and I was so inspired and honestly, a little envious. I thought, “I could do this.” So I spent about a month and a half creating a small batch of products; greeting cards, stickers, things like that and started selling.
JC:
And being self-taught in graphic design helped with that, right?
J.MA:
Definitely. And honestly, we’re so lucky to have the internet. I learned everything through YouTube and just experimenting. At first, I even did free work, logos, small projects, just to practice. You have to start somewhere. Eventually, I got an internship. I actually failed the skills test during the interview; but I think they saw potential. I worked really hard, got hired, and worked my way up to brand designer. But even then, I kept trying to sneak illustration into my design work. That’s when I realized,I don’t want to design. I just want to draw and make things.
JC: How did you navigate the pressures of family?
J.MA:
That was always the number one thing growing up; become a doctor, make a lot of money. That’s what “success” meant. But to be fair, my parents never stopped me from pursuing art. They just wanted me to be happy and stable. Good healthcare, a steady life. Whatever it took to get there. So I never really kept art in mind as a career, even though I was always making it. In every class, no matter the subject, I’d be doodling … on my hands, my backpack, my notebooks.
I’m glad I stuck with it, though, especially because of my teachers’ encouragement. When I quit my job, my parents were really worried. They were like, “What do you mean you’re quitting?” I’ve worked consistently since I was 18. So stepping away from that; it was a big shift.
JC:
That’s over a decade of working nonstop.
J.MA:
Yeah. And during that time, I was still making art here and there. But those ten years were really important. Working in hospitality taught me how to talk to people; how to listen, how to follow structure, how to be disciplined. I’m such an introvert that even having this kind of conversation now - it’s rare for me, outside of talking with my husband. But that experience helped me build those skills. I also went to a lot of different schools. I started at Cal State Long Beach, got kicked out, then went to East LA College.
JC:
You got kicked out?
J.MA:
Yeah, because I was ditching all the time. I was still figuring myself out. I didn’t really know who I was or what I wanted. Eventually I went back… and then left again. I ended up attending four schools total: Cal State Long Beach, East LA College, Citrus College, and Cal State Fullerton. It took ten years, but I finally got my Bachelor’s.
JC:
That’s a journey.
J.MA:
It is. But I’m glad I chose general studio art, because it let me explore everything; stained glass, jewelry making, painting, graphic design, printmaking. All of it.
JC:
All great tools to acquire.
J.MA:
Exactly. And I loved that.
JC:
I always tell students—take advantage of those resources while you have them. A lot of what’s available in school becomes harder to access later.
J.MA:
Totally. There was a point where I didn’t even want to go back to school. I was trying to make art on my own while working, but I wasn’t actually creating the way I wanted. My brother asked me one day, “Are you making the art you want to make right now?” And the honest answer was no. That’s what pushed me to go back and finish. I needed that structure to figure things out.
JC:
And now you’re doing markets, which is a whole different kind of environment; especially as an introvert.
J.MA:
It’s definitely a challenge. But what I love about markets is that I can make whatever I want and immediately see how people respond. The feedback is instant. People walk by, look at your work. You can see it on their faces. When they smile, I know I’m doing something right. And it’s not just adults. Kids run up to my booth… that’s the best feeling. Kids are the most honest critics. If they like something, you know it’s real. Even older people, when they stop and smile, it means a lot. Most of the feedback I get is positive, and that outweighs anything negative. Of course, not everyone will like your work. And that’s okay.
JC:
Yeah, everyone has an opinion.
J.MA:
Exactly. And they’re entitled to it.
JC:
What are some of the tougher comments you’ve gotten?
J.MA:
One time a couple walked up to my booth, looked at everything, and said, “We’re just admiring your frames.” Not the artwork, the frames. That one hurt a little. And then there was someone who took a photo of my work and said, “I’m just going to copy this when I get home.”
JC:
Wow!
J.MA:
Yeah. I was so shocked I didn’t even respond. Later I wished I had said something. But honestly, it’s part of it. It happens. You just keep going.
JC:
You’ve built a lot of resilience. And I appreciate that you reached out to us. It takes courage.
J.MA:
There’s always a chance of rejection, but I’d rather try. Worst case, someone says no. I think for a long time, I rejected myself before anyone else could. And that kept me from even trying. If I had kept doing that, I wouldn’t be here now…actually making a living from my art.
JC:
How do your parents feel about everything now?
J.MA:
They’re really proud.
My dad still asks me after every event, “How much did you make?” I think he’s keeping track of my income at this point. But they’re genuinely excited for me. And it feels good. I don’t think they fully felt that way when I was doing graphic design. Now, I tell them I’m just getting started. Sometimes I wonder why I didn’t do this sooner. Why I didn’t trust myself earlier. But this is my path. It doesn’t matter how long it took, I got here. And if there’s one thing I want to share, it’s this: choose yourself. Don’t wait for someone else to give you permission.
JC:
You’re living it now.
J.MA:
Yeah. I feel like I’m already living my dream. I don’t even think about retirement. I just want to make art forever. There’s still so much I want to learn, though. Animation, woodworking… even making toys or publishing a picture book someday.
JC:
What does your work schedule look like?
J.MA:
It varies a lot. Sometimes I work late into the night. There was one night I stayed up until 4:30 am without even realizing it. Other days, I might only work a few hours. And sometimes I don’t create at all. I just rest or spend time with family. But even when I’m not making art, I’m thinking about it.
JC:
What inspires your work?
J.MA:
Mostly things around me; my dog, birds, everyday objects. I went through a phase where I was drawing birds nonstop. Then worms, because birds eat worms. I love giving things faces; objects, animals, anything. Everything feels like it has character to me. Even when I’m walking around, I’ll see a random shape and think, “That looks like a face.” I just love that.
JC:
Let’s talk about your upcoming show.
J.MA:
It’s called Homey Homies. “Homey” as in cozy, and “homies” as in your people.
It’s all about things that bring me comfort and joy. I’m planning to focus large on larger paintings with a twist. This will be my first solo show ever, so there’s some pressure, but mostly excitement.
JC:
The first solo is a big deal, congratulations!
J.MA:
Yeah, I’m just excited to share what makes me happy. I want people to feel like kids again when they see it.
JC:
How are you liking San Jose?
J.MA:
I love it. The only thing I miss is being close to my family. They’re all in Southern California. But my husband’s family is here, so that helps San Jose feel cozy. I really like it. And the Vietnamese food here? Amazing! Better than SoCal, honestly.
JC:
Final thoughts?
J.MA:
I still feel like I’m just me; not some big-name artist. But I have something to share, and I want to share it. I just want to make people happy.
JC:
I think you’re just getting started. You’ve got a long road ahead, and it can be as big as you want it to be. I hope this show and our collaboration opens even more doors for you.
J.MA:
I’m just really excited to be part of San Jose now. No one here knows me yet, and that’s the best part. I get to introduce myself through my work.