Mask On (and keep it on)

Jo Nanajian is an artist originally from Beirut, Lebanon. She moved to Boston in 2008 and went to high school there, she later moved to Maryland to attend college at MICA in 2014. Currently, she is a practicing studio artist within the city of Boston. Her recent work includes large scale charcoal pieces that have a very ghostly feel to them. The work is done through a repetitive draw and erase process until reaching their final form for which gives a faded effect. She also makes animations and masks, and considers these to be hobbies separate from her art practice.

When did you start making masks?

I started making masks about a year ago, coincidentally probably exactly a year from when the pandemic was announced. 

Does your personal style have an influence on the masks you create?

Yes absolutely! I’ve always loved chains, jewels, and basically always wear all black. I always find myself incorporating these embellishments in new innovative ways which is how the masks started.

How has COVID-19 effected your sales and everyday routines?

Luckily I was already prepared for COVID-19 by having a mask business. But I was not at all prepared for the amount of traffic I was about to receive. Creating masks turned from a side business to me sitting at the sewing machine all day everyday for months. I am grateful that the sales were great but as one person there was only so many hand made pieces I could produce on my own and had no time for any other practice. But glad to have everyone safe and stylish !! I think people would be more willing to wear them if it matched their aesthetic and then it would be viewed as a wanted accessory rather than something “forced”.

Did you go to school for art? If so, what did you study?

Yes I did go to art school! I studied general fine arts and dabbled in all forms of art mediums but had a focus on anatomy and drawing. I was intrigued by learning the human body and seeing how far I could distort it but still have it recognizable.  Slowly over time my drawing became more and more abstract. I didn’t start sewing or having an interest in masks until after I graduated.

What are some of the most valuable lessons you learned from going to art school?

Art school definitely strengthened my technique and craft. As for my creative lens, I don’t believe that anyone can teach that but school definitely had a way of breaking you down and then having you rebuild yourself. 

What are some important lessons you’ve learned outside of the classroom?

I’d say surrounding yourself with a community that you trust. I think as artists it’s important to have a strong drive but also making sure that you are surrounded by like-minded people that you feel like you can grow with and support each other. Schools teach you craftsmanship but don’t prepare you for the actual art world. 

If you could have your work displayed in any art museum in the world, what museum would it be and why?

I think this one took me the longest to type out an answer to. I love so many museums and visit a bunch but still have so many more to experience. I haven’t  had the thought of my work being exhibited in one till this moment as I still push to be seen in galleries. And I don’t say this in a self-doubt way but more so that I’m so engulfed in my work that I didn’t take a moment to think so far ahead.

Where can we find you on social media, and how can we purchase a mask?

My social media is @nanajivn and dm me to purchase a mask!! ❤️❤️