jasecreations-blog

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I am in love with this cover shot... snapped by my partner @lawgics. Today is our 9 year anniversary and it wasn’t until about two weeks ago that we shifted from a “relationship” into this powerful creative partnership. We found the thing that lights us both up - that calls us to make and create. That thing is photography and especially film/cinematography. It’s crazy when the heart catches fire and then after many years the fire returns, stronger and more vibrant, with a deep sense of purpose. A higher calling. Though it’s not always easy to navigate identities of differing levels of power and privilege in such an intimate way, we are able to teach one another about our experiences and learn to heal together. Making these kinds of sacrifices for love is something that I feel interracial couples understand on a very deep level. If we can’t come to true consensus, to deep empathy and understanding, it’s kind of over... I want to thank this human for being open to change. To embracing the need to address systems of oppression they contribute to and unconsciously participate in by doing the work, listening deeply to what I have to say, and learning how to step back and step down so that POC/marginalized voices are heard and lifted up. He knows this work is forever work, and by committing to dismantling these systems within himself he is committing to me, my family, and my community. This is love work. You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. I appreciate your commitment, and I am dedicated to continuing this work and this partnership with you 💛 Happy Anniversary, Xo // JASE . . . BTS photos by @taylor_aurora_ ❤️ #anniversary #undoingracism #lovewins #interracialcouple #cultureshift #seattle #coupleshoot https://www.instagram.com/jasecreations/p/Bw7lopQl7tY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9hc7rdd67st2

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This is one of the most important lessons I have learned in the past year and need to continue to remind myself. As challenging as the complete inequity of the systems in which we live, the domination of the earth by extractive industries and “progress”, and the suppression of our voices and gifts by those who currently hold “the power” - we cannot simply accept this experience as “the way things are,” the only potential reality. We are power-FULL, if we weren’t we wouldn’t be here. If you weren’t you wouldn’t be reading this. Our #bodies and our #minds are a reservoir of energy waiting to be awoken. The key to tapping this energy is first by becoming aware that it exists... are you aware? Do you believe you are power-FULL? If not, you’re in luck because I got you! And if the answer is yes I got you too! I will continue to post pieces of my story daily, along with exercises that helped me to realize the power within, and why I feel so driven to share that knowledge with as many people as I can, especially those who have been marginalized for hundreds (if not thousands) of years. We deserve better, and we deserve love from our SELVES - first and foremost. We deserve the opportunity to leave an incredible legacy of true progress. Because the knowledge and power we gain from experiencing hardship makes our perspectives INCREDIBLY valuable and unique. Only you can see the world the way you do, only you can see solutions to problems where others see nothing at all. It’s time to heal ourselves so that we can heal others, and keep that energy moving. It is our duty to ourselves and the earth. #letsdothis . . . #iamthecrone #ecofeminism #livebyexample #seattle #seattleblogger #justice #climatechange #empoweringwomen #empowerment #racialjustice #climatejustice https://www.instagram.com/jasecreations/p/BuooRuQlr9-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=r2l0wwi1f2kt

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Getting ready to launch some new content - lifestyle #inspo all about the 3 E’s: Earth - our mother, our home, our selves. Equity - social, economic, environmental and climate justice. Empowerment - how to build the life of your dreams, to live with purpose, and let emotional intelligence and intuition be your guide. I am so excited to share my journey in progress with you, imperfection and all. In sharing truth about my own experience I hope I can inspire you to do the same. Each one of us may be a drop in the ocean, but together we are a tidal wave 🌊 Hope you like the livestream from today - there will be more “movement as medicine” recordings to come ✨ . . . Photo by @visionbykovios styled by @annaliz.salvador and @paulinananana . . . #cultureshift.me #lifestyle #climatejustice #economicjustice #socialjustice #seattle #earthmother #motherpeace #ecofeminism #seattleblogger #iamthecrone #seattlemodel #livebyexample https://www.instagram.com/jasecreations/p/BukrlVsFypz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1senoiaxtn5c5

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#Vulnerability - our greatest opportunity to truly connect with one another. Surrounded by heartache, pain, and fear I turn to the fire burning deep inside, so bright I cannot look away from it. When the voice from within speaks to you, it is your duty to listen and act upon those insights, despite the fear infused in our subconscious from the dominant culture telling us we’re not good enough, or we can’t do this. We can do anything, straight up, but if we don’t believe it’s a even a possibility we never will. Cheers to doing meaningful shit in 2019, in the face of fear and doubt. Our ancestors are with us, our spirit guides are with us, the energy supports your endeavors when you find the courage to ask for what you need. ——- Still from content I have been sitting on for way too long, and will be releasing on #youtube when the timing is right. Shot by @andrewimanaka and directed by @aviloud. . . . #beyondfearchannel #iamthecrone #seattleartist #2019goals https://www.instagram.com/p/BtB_ZFjlHQ5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1kb0p22tjy973

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Smoke // Sand // Sea // Sun These smoky days, just as last year, feel like the most critical wake-up call to act on climate and change the way we run our society. We did this, and it is our responsibility to undo it - to the greatest extent possible. Nothing is more important than this. The planet will be fine, no matter what happens to it, but WE will not. We are fragile creatures, and if we do not take action WE will fall. WE will suffer. WE will lose, everything. I will not sugarcoat reality, but I will say that all the tools we need are already HERE, but before we even get to mass implementation the most critical thing we need is for people to care. To care enough to stop their day to day for a split second and ask themselves - what can I do about this? How can I mobilize myself, my family, my job, my purpose to face this truth? It’s not cool to choke on polluted air, it’s not cool to ingest toxic chemicals, it’s not cool to starve, it’s not cool to live inside of a false sense of security before a “natural” disaster wipes your home, your family, and your friends away from you. Over the next few months I will be releasing content that helps empower YOU and begin the process to find YOUR unique contribution to shifting our culture to acknowledge and act on the interconnected issues related to climate change. We need YOU, we need your unique gifts, and no action is to small to start. Do you know what you want to contribute? Make a pledge and post it in the comments or on your own with hashtag #wecanundothis Also - check out the teaser for the #salishseadayofaction created in collaboration with the amazing @alexandra_blakely (musician, videographer, photographer, healer, badass, and amazing mother of an incredible young woman). #wedidthis and we can #undothis. https://vimeo.com/287836748 Photo by: @alexandra_blakely ————————————— #drawdown #cultureshift #iamthecrone #climatechangeisreal (at Golden Gardens Seattle) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnO-lpVlgx-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1elyj5d8vzdc9

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“You look like a bird!” ⠀⠀ YAS! That is exactly it, I AM a bird! And I am just now learning that I have wings, and as afraid of heights as I might be, it doesn’t matter, because I know that when I jump off a cliff into the ether I will be able to soar - even if I find that strength a millisecond before I thought I would hit the pavement. ⠀⠀ In taking HUGE risks, I learn what I am capable of, and learn to trust myself and my power. Something no amount of money or fame could ever validate FOR me. I value me for me, in my imperfection, in my fear, in my struggle. I learn from myself. I learn what works and what doesn’t, and that there is energy to support my dreams everywhere when I look up to find it. When I grow the strength to ask for help, and when I share my vision for an equitable future where all life is valued, and the voices that have been silenced or pushed out are handed the mic. I am learning to take my own advice. I am learning to BE and EMBODY the movement I wish to see in the world in order to bring about true Culture SHIFTS. ⠀⠀ Snapped at the @fashionforconservation event before I did my 🐥 dance. ⠀⠀ ——————————————- #cultureshift #cocktailsforconservation #hojanueva #beyondfear #fashionforconservation #innerstrength (at The Riveter)

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Be intentional with these moments. When fear or doubt creep into your physical and mental space, don’t shut down. Follow your feelings, trust the darkness, it will bring you back into the light. Stronger. Ready. Trust In YOU. With Love, JASE // The Crone ————————————————— . . . . . . #cultureshift #beyondfearchannel #mayday #seattlepoet #realness #poetrytime (at Lower Queen Anne, Seattle)

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Watch Full Crone Promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPTCPuO6_u8&t=71s ——————————————- These days, I see #crows everywhere, all along my path. The crow represents a piece of myself, that I finally understand, and that I want to share with you. I am starting this channel to inspire you to MOVE. To lead you down your path, the one you know you need to walk down, and are too afraid to commit to. You stand there, immobilized, paralyzed, maybe you aren’t even breathing. I am here to tell you that you can do it. You can change. You absolutely should follow the uncertain path before you, because once you get past the point of fear, your fear becomes excitement and drive. Follow the mystery of the darkness, with curiosity, knowing that you are safe, because you create your own reality. Beyond Fear is a YouTube channel FOR YOU. To help you stay grounded, learn how to navigate the challenging systems of our society, and lead the life you were put on this earth to pursue. The Crone is “a way-shower to others,” // follow me and turn your fears into your greatest strength. Don’t be scurred, subscribe and commit to your path. With Love, JASE // The Crone —————————————— Video Production Created in Collaboration with my #DREAMTEAM: Artistic Direction & Editing // Avi Loud // @aviloud Videography // Andrew Imanaka // @andrewimanaka Musical Composition + Direction // Eli Hetrik // @tuberdigit Original Music Feature + Best Uncle Ever // Satnam Ramgotra // @sramgotra70 —————————————— #cultureshift #beyondfearchannel #youtubecommunity #bethemovement #iamthecrone #followyourfear (at Seattle, Washington)

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The Mother of All Things, The WYLD Womxn // portrait inspired by my own #mother and #matriarch Inderjeet Kaur Ramgotra // drawn on #reused cardboard with #sharpies // swipe right 👉🏽 for the poem . . . ————————————— #motherpeace #witchy #iamthecrone #recycledart #seattleblogger #ecofemme #freehanddrawing #cultureshift #seattlepoet #earthdayeveryday #earthday2018 #earthart #motherearth #throwback #futurepast (at Seattle, Washington)

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A Truly Mixed-Reality: Finding Our Voice in the Justice Movement

In the winter I am just close enough to be considered “passing” for white. I change in flux with the seasons; in the summer I am darker, and in the winter I feel almost painfully uncomfortable in my pale olive skin. 

When the days are short and the nights are long I am particularly self-conscious of my lingering otherness, combined with my “not dark enough”-ness.

But when my skin turns, it feels like proof, honestly. Proof that I am brown enough. Real enough. And on top of this proof, I start to experience more of the social stigmas that come along with being noticeably brown - to a certain extent. And in this growing and deepening experience, summer in and winter out, I am learning the boundaries and borders of my own privilege as a light-skinned person.

I don’t like this in-between feeling. I don’t like physically appearing as if I am disconnected from my Punjabi heritage a little more than half of the year. That is why, nowadays, I cling to my name, and my middle name specifically, because that is something that cannot be taken away from me.

My middle name “Kaur” means princess in Punjabi, and in Sikh culture women are often given the surname Kaur. This name, dating back from the 17th century represents my connection to my ancestors, and despite the color I happen to express on a given day during the year, it reminds me that I will always be connected to my people.

As the years pass, I learn more and more about myself, more and more about the societal structures and systems we live within, and how I personally fit into those systems. This ongoing rumination has recently led to my most important realization yet - the role that mixed-race people like myself play in the fight for social justice in its many facets.

My life and the lives of many other mixed-race individuals is the story of what happens after the highly stigmatized interracial couple gets together, despite every social and cultural divide, for better or for worse. These are not always the stories of “true love” in any sense. In fact, many of our lives have come out of dominating and unhealthy power dynamics within interracial couples, but that doesn’t change the fact that we are here. Products of perceived unholy unions.

My realization is that mixed-race individuals are here to bring together opposing sides and  deep-seeded divisiveness with compassion and understanding, because our very existence has depended on that internal and external process.

We live in this abstract middle-space, the ether of the various sides of our racial and cultural identities. Never truly inducted into one culture or another, we float inside both and are require to find our own way, to find our own culture, and to define what values we want to keep or let go of. This is an incredibly lonely path, but it is a path every mixed-race person walks.

We are a true product of opposing sides, of noticeable differences - in skin tone, in culture, in heritage, in ancestral roots and beliefs. We understand better than any other kind of person what it’s like to live on the edge of opposite views and sides, because we do it every day.

We see past the deeply entrenched hatred that polarized sides have formed for decades; we see the humanity of both because we inherently represent them - two (or more) as one living, breathing representation.

The beauty of this divisive pain for us, is the ability we have to bring people together across the boundaries they often cannot see past. We deeply understand the POC struggle, and yet we have the light-skinned privilege to communicate on a much more accepted level with dominant groups about those struggles than the most minoritized populations.

Thus:

Our job is to connect opposing sides.

Our job is to bridge gaps: gaps in knowledge, gaps in understanding, and gaps in compassion.

This work requires fluidity, and it requires a willingness to change; to be OK with compromises, to fight for the underdog, and to LISTEN to the fears and concerns of both.

We are mediators, and we are advocates, we are the ambassadors of all the cultures we represent. Our existence, is not only to find the common ground, it is to be the common ground.

 I’m going to call this shot “Proud of My Otherness” // Photo by Tim Summers // Lighting Design by Bryce Bartl-Geller for “JASE” solo performance at the University of Washington March 2017

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A Movement is Meant to be Shared: Why Dancing in Semi-Public Spaces is a GREAT Idea

Today I realized, that I have been unintentionally hiding from people.

Specifically, I have been hiding my creative process from them, and it has been preventing me from moving forward with my work and my own practice.

For some reason, I thought that when I create movement, I could only do so when I’m totally alone, and preferably in some kind of cozy studio so that I could “focus” properly. Silence, emptiness, solitude - you can see the formula. But over time, this seemingly rational idea instead lead me to ponder and procrastinate more than I needed to, and create additional imaginary barriers for myself like “not having space” to move and create.

Honestly, I feel like “moving” (when I say move, I mean dance, but the word dance has a ton of stigmas attached to it that I won’t delve into now) in a non-designated public space such as a nightclub, is a bit of a strange act, and it can draw a lot of attention to a person - sometimes very unwanted attention, particularly as a woman.

What I didn’t realize is that there are some magnificent public spaces where few people pass through, but reside in enough of an intersectional open yet private place that individuals won’t bother you, and there is enough “alone” time to focus inward, and make some magic happen - so to speak.

The second thing that I have to note here is the importance of letting go of social stigmas that make one feel uncomfortable when people watch you move. Sure, I’m out here doing some extraordinarily strange stuff, but I am being totally true to what I need and what my body needs, and therefore I don’t really care if you think it’s weird. I’m not looking for attention - in fact quite the opposite - but when individuals break the norm attention is often what they get regardless, and you have to be OK with that.

The third amazing thing about this practice is that it’s totally free - and for a recent graduate with a lineup of new financial responsibilities this realization is a liberating blessing, and could be similar for others on a tight budget, or those who just appreciate saving money on fitness or mindfulness.

I’ve found my space, and it is glorious. It’s outside in a public park surrounded by what might be some of the oldest trees in Seattle. The space is large and enclosed by a fence with a gate, and isn’t often used in the wintering months. Score!

Today I gave my all out there, and it was incredible. A few people passed by on the wooded path next to the space, but I was neither bothered nor gawked at. I was able to warm up, make a phrase of movement, and improvise for about an hour - the kind of routine I truly need in my life right now.

This place, and places like it, are way better than any studio for several reasons:

Truly fresh air - provided by the amazing Pacific Northwest trees and foliage surrounding the area.

Inspiration surrounds you - sounds, sights, and beings (for me it was several crows roosting in the tops of the trees).

Being in public keeps you on your toes - I found myself hyper-focused and more aware of my body without a mirror to confuse or distract me. The focus was internal instead of seeing and judging - myself or others. 

You’re at the mercy of the elements, in a good way - whatever happens outside when you’re out, is something you get to experience viscerally. If the wind blows while you’re moving outside, you can move with it or choose to push against it. If it’s raining you can sweep water with your feet, or flick it with your fingers, or watch it fall quietly. This added elemental level is incredibly meditative, and allows you to be much more involved with the environment you find yourself in. 

You might get Insta-Famous? This is probably my least-favorite reason for doing this, but you never know. If you’re giving it your all, and some random stranger decides to film it and put it on the internet, you’re at the mercy of technological elements as much as you are at the mercy of natural elements. #goforit

The moral of this story is that I am so excited to get out there again, prepared in my rain gear because it’s probably gonna be a wet one.

Also, this is an incredible opportunity for me to continue to learn from myself, a new journey I’m on now that I’m out of school and no one is telling me what’s right or wrong. For me, these are lessons in listening; listening to the wisdom that comes from the inside, that quiet place where creativity simmers and new possibilities lurk. Learning to be bold, and to be OK with people’s opinions about it because I’m doing me, and I hope you will too.

Throwback Photo to Spain in 2015 - taken by Pablo Caldevia

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Balance

Found between the meeting of positive and negative energy

Feminine and masculine appearances that ripple androgynous vibrations

Cultures that are seemingly unrelated or perhaps unfriendly otherwise

A blend, a concoction, a curiosity.

They do not know a single home, because they walk the border between worlds

A living question mark

Sometimes fighting to prove their purpose,

that their life is still full, instead of ‘half-empty’, or broken, or “exotic.”

The glue. The sticky in between.

The place where “huh?” meets “aha!”

I walk the border between these looks

I walk the border between these colors

I walk the border between these fields

I move. I make. I find.

Despite my curious appearance, my curious passions, and my uniquely curious path.

Balance.

Photo by Tim Summers