Friday, January 3, 2020
I don’t think we could’ve decided on a better place to have our interview. We went to Bailey’s Chocolate Bar on Lafayette Square in downtown St. Louis. The vibe was just like Jaidah’s : quiet and smooth, but intentional. We walked in together around 9:00PM and grabbed a seat at the bar. They wore a cute layered fit because it was still cold out: slightly baggy cargos, a cropped hoodie, and a bright red puffer jacket-—very Jaidah.
On Instagram, however, very Jaidah falls under a different name. Their Instagram handle : @sm8llfry. Their writings, short films, photographs, and movie reviews are in constant circulation as one of the most respected voices in the St. Louis art scene. Jaidah travels often and is finishing school in a matter of months at Columbia University in Chicago.
han : Where are you from and what was it like being Jaidah growing up?:
They smile, “I was a wild child tomboy who was always getting into it with my siblings. I guess you could say I was bad… I used to chase my brother and sister around with a pen and pretend like I was going to stab them. A lot of people have a hard time believing that because of the laid back demeanor I have now. But I was still always creative and kind of eccentric. I had my own spunk to me and refused to be like everyone else. Even my parents were very supportive and loving me even through my boy phase.”
han : So what is the story behind your Instagram name?:
“My instagram handle is pronounced “small fry” with an eight, you know, substitute the “a” for an “8,” and thats my handle. I’ve had an Instagram since I was about 12 years old, I remember downloading the app in seventh grade. Now I post my photography, my writings, my film work, and movie reviews as of recent.”
han : What art medium did you fall in love with first?:
“Writing most definitely came first.” She responded without hesitation. “And then photography was next. I originally majored in writing when I went to Columbia, and then I took a film class and fell in love with that too. “
han : What is your creative process?
“Umm…I tend to watch a lot of movies and listen to a lot of music, that usually inspires me.
han : Explain the ambiguity of your Instagram? A lot of people know your work but not your face, is that intentional?
“Yes it is intentional, I like my art to speak for itself. I feel that if I would post my face people would flock to how I look instead of letting my work and the deeper meaning behind ir. I dont want people to be like: *mimicking voice* Oh she’s a woman or he’s a guy so their perspective on this is narrow. So if people don’t know who I am they can just appreciate the art for what it is. “
han : What would you consider your muse?
“I would say the world is my muse, if anything that inspires me I feel like I have to capture it. Nothing in particular is off limits for me. Black women also play a major role in my work. Sometimes I feel like I was made to create art for black women.” She slows for a moment before continuing. “Personally, it took me a long time to be comfortable as a woman and there was a point where I didnt even want to identify as a woman. Now, I feel like I revel in the power of being a woman, it feels like my purpose.”
“If there is one thing I want my followers to take away after experiencing my page it is to appreciate blackness. A lot of people still view black people as the bottom of the barrel, but they really are so beautiful and should be seen as such.”
han: Can you pick a favorite out of your past projects?
“The hair project I did that focused on the beauty and appreciation of black hair was my favorite so far. I reached out to people and asked to photograph them in their element with their hair. I went into their homes and sacred spaces and interviews them about the products they used and what their hair meant to them. It was a very organic process that took no more than 20 minutes. It was really fun.”
han : Talk to me about your boy phase and what that part of your life means for your art?
“I was already a tomboy. And in middle school I felt like I never really got attention from guys so I figured I might as well become one. I started dressing like a boy so I wouldn’t be as insecure about not getting attention from them. I am androgynous so I chanel both masculine and feminine sides of myself. And when it comes to my art, I think it gives me an advantage to have feel both of those energies, it’s all a balance and I feel I can appreciate both perspectives in socially and with my art.”
han : Where do you see your art taking you?
“I see my art taking me all across the world. The messages in art are universal and I’d love it to reach as many people as possible. Aside from the fame, which is not that important to me, I really just want people to be able to appreciate my work for what it is and learn and grow from it.”
han : How do you begin your writing process after you decide on a topic?
“Writing is not something that happens over night for me, I’ll have the inspiration while Im listening to a song for example and then I’ll pull out my phone and free write. If I don’t like it I’ll come back to it and the process usually starts from there. Im a capricorn perfectionist, and we love to be perfect with our shit.”
han : I’ve noticed you open up a lot of space for conversation and feed back on your Instagram, what drives you to do that?
“Im a very empathetic and curious person so I love hearing other peoples perspectives on things. Everyone has a story. That is also a big source of inspiration for me.”
han : Tell me the difference in how you experience photography vs. writing?
“Hmm, that’s a good question. Writing is more vulnerable for me. “Jaidah pauses again slightly then gently places a hand on the nearly empty glass. “I have an eye for photography and it captures my world view, but my writing is my personal experience of what I, and other people go through. Writing is a lot more personal.”
han : For those who are pursing a similar craft to yours, when did you start feeling Validated as an artist?
“In 2016. My freshman year of college, thats when people started reaching out and wanting to work with me. It was surprising at first like wow you’re interested in my work? But college has also taught me a lot about myself and who I am. I really value that.”
han : When is writing Better?
“Writing is better all the time. There isn’t a moment when I’m not at least thinking of a concept that couldn’t be written down. So yeah, there is never a time where one moment is better than the next for writing.”
View more of sm8llfry’s work on :
