Feature Friday - Jesse Vacarciuc
Name
Jesse Vacarciuc
Pronouns
They/Them
Bio
Fascinated by the human mind, Jesse uses artistic expression to reflect on personal experiences with addiction, homelessness, trauma and mental illness and share the unspoken struggles of youth. Today, Jesse is a professional artist and musician, a college graduate, a researcher, a program creator, and an advocate for change. Balancing being a survivor and a professional, Jesse aims to create open dialogues for people with similar experiences.
Instagram
@heyitsjxsse
Website
msha.ke/heyitsjxsse
Where in Montreal are you located?
Quartier Olympique!
What do you love about that neighborhood?
Every time I go to the park next to my place with my dog, I can see the Olympic stadium! It's like a big guardian watching over me.
What’s your favourite art space in Montreal and why?
My work bestie's apartment/art studio (also located in the Quartier Olympique)! I go there pretty much once a week and it's one of the most art imbued spaces I know. The entire place is actually covered in art, whether its paintings, drawings, art supplies, etc. Some of the paintings are theirs, some are their friends, some are collaborative (I worked on some of them, tehe) and I even go there to work on music sometimes!
Describe your art in your own words.
My art is purely an extension of me. I'd like to think that I can't help myself but live and breathe art ever since I was a small child. Some people would say that my art is very personal and I disagree. I write about what I feel towards everything I lived through (good and bad) and I don't believe that my experiences are unique to myself. Lots of people have experienced the same things that I did, but not everyone has had the courage or the opportunity to talk about it. My art speaks on a lot of taboo topics simply to give a voice to those who do not have one.
What drew you to writing?
The first time I was assaulted, it was such a gut wrenching and heartbreaking experience. I told myself that no one should have to live through this and that if it ever happened to me again, I would just off myself. Then it happened again. I pushed through and kept going despite the immense pain I carried from it. I told myself it was ridiculous to experience it again and no one could survive this many assaults. I told myself if, God forbid, it ever happened again, I would simply die from the emotional pain. I thought I wouldn't have to lift a finger, I would simply stop breathing. Then, it happened again. I waited for my body to die along my mind. A week passed and I was still alive. I realized that no matter how much you wish a broken heart was deadly, it's not, so you get back up. I had two options: I could either dig myself a grave and wallow in my own pain for the rest of my life, or I could do something with the pain. That's when I started writing.
What have you been working on recently?
I've been working on a new album! I make music on top of being an author and l recently got some recording equipment to record at home. Ever since, I've been itching to create new music.
How would you describe your voice?
I cannot describe my own voice because I do not hear it as it comes out and only hear it in my own head. If you let me describe my own voice, I will tell you tat sound like a crack head. Instead, I will let my friends describe my voice : "Gentle and soft with a sense of weight behind it. Wisdom and intelligence. Smooth as silk" (given, buddy was hyping me up)
Where do you find your inspiration?
My past and present experiences with love, trauma, addiction, sexuality and the growth that comes from it. I try to portray all the hopelessness of Kurt Cobain with all the sass of Cardi B.
Describe your writing process.
Great question! I uhh don't write for months because I get overstimulated and depressed with life, then one day, words pop up in my head and I write them down. Then, I repeat this cycle multiple times a year OwO
Who are some of your favorite writers?
Rupi Kaur is a classic, and her online counterpart, Not Rupi Kaur. I also love fairytales and other dark tales written by Brothers Grimm, Edgar Allan Poe and HP Lovecraft.
What do you love about Montreal's literary scene?
Ya'll are so Queer and expressive, with a hint of comedy and laissez-faire. I love it.
