Meet Jenavieve Hawks | Artist, Musician, & Iridologist

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

Hi Jenavieve, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“No tree it is said, can grow to heaven unless its roots reach down to hell.” -C. Jung

I recently read this quote actually. It deeply resonates with me because it highlights the value of ALL life experience. Instead of casting aside or burying the parts of ourselves/experiences we dislike (or that may even be painful), it calls us to integrate and validate them. With this kind of mindset, we can honor our story and growth as whole. As I get older, I realize how important this is more and more every day to do. This is really the main theme in all the things I create whether it in art, music, writing, or my interactions in general.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Most recently I had an art exhibit that was really fun. The art showing was planned close enough to my birthday that I decided to make an entire collection based off of the birthday theme and it was truly a party! Whenever I create anything, whether it’s a song or piece of art, I pour my whole self into it. Every time a song or artwork is created, it becomes like a time-piece or memory. All I have to do is just listen to that piece of music or look at that painting, and it’s like I am instantly transported back to when i was creating it and how i was feeling, or what was happening. I don’t purposely mean to remember things like this, it just happens. So because of that, what I do is try to create an experience or feeling with whatever it is I am making. I set an intention behind it because I know it is going to feel that way every time I hear it or look at see it in the future, so I might as well create it to “feel” how I want. Some of those feelings I try to really emulate in my art tend to be themes of paradise, healing, peace, or letting go. I like to create things that bring joy of some kind.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Duke Gardens is incredible and a must-see! I also highly recommend an ice cream shop in Durham that is called Parlor. It has amazing vegan ice cream!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many people who I would thank because there are many who have helped me become who I am, and supported me to do what I do. Growing up, I would say my dad always really pushed me to share my creative gifts with others, something I never really appreciated until now. My sweet mom was also the one who dedicated many hours of her time to take me to my lessons, recitals, practices and everything else. She also always made sure I had what I needed, helped me pick out my new instruments, or take them for repairs. My siblings also really pushed me to hone in on learning because they are all so ridiculously talented, and for that reason, they set the bar sky-high for anything music or academic-related. Today though, I would really say that my wife is my biggest support as she is the one coming to/driving me to every show. She listens to all my music and hears all the good, bad, and ugly of it! She is my biggest cheerleader in life and also very talented herself. I also have some amazing and talented friends, who have ignited my musical joy in life to a new level!

Instagram: @JenavieveHawks

Facebook: Facebook.com/JenavieveHawksArt

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenavievehawks9947