When artist Jacqueline “Jacci” Pope dreams, she makes them a reality — literally. The veteran hairstylist has always had a passion for art, ever since she “came out of the womb,” she jokes. Born in Detroit, Pope was reared in Washington, D.C., where she enjoyed a career as a hairstylist for 10 years, and, then, she had an epiphany.
“Basically, I have been an artist all of my life. For the past three years, I’ve been doing it full time,” she shares. “I moved to Atlanta and decided to follow my passion, which is art. I started with the business that I knew best — the hair industry. I realized that we [hair industry professionals] didn’t have any art for our homes or any art that represented us in such an urban, feminine and artistic way. So, I decided to take up the reins.”
When she was in high school, Pope’s art teacher was instrumental in shaping her for this bold career move. She told her that she “had the talent to go far in the business of art and graphics.” Pope listened to her teacher and submitted a portfolio to Maryland College of Art and Design, where she later earned an art degree and honed her skills, using all tools of the craft: crayon, pencil, water color, acrylics and oils.
Where does she find her inspiration? “I am inspired mostly by dreams. Sometimes, I wake up questioning myself, but it’s inspirational to know that I can think these images up off the top of my head. I enjoy being an artist because it is my God-given talent,” she reveals.
Pope’s most popular collection is “The Visions of Beauty” series. In this collector’s edition, you will find eye-catching pieces with clever titles like “Hairtastic,” “Blow Out,” “Spray It Don’t Say It,” “Smokin’ Barrels,” “King Kut” and a host of others.
Pope admits, “I miss doing hair because it is another way to express my creativity, but art has been in my blood.” –yvette caslin
Jacci Art Studio is located in Atlanta and can be found on the Web at jacciart.com.
