Community Spotlight: Moriah Faith & Jessica Vohs
How did you get involved with the Brookline Arts Center?
We became involved with the Brookline Arts Center after our community-based mural proposal was accepted for their Annex Gallery, Fall 2021
Tell us about your background. How did you become interested in art?
Moriah: I always wanted to be an artist when I was a kid, but painting became my fulltime obsession after being diagnosed with a rare and very painful chronic illness. Painting became my safe haven, and that is what continues to draw me back to the studio day after day.
Jessica: I was born with cerebral palsy and unable to physically speak. Art has been my voice to convey my love of life and beauty. My beloved mother took great care in making sure I pursued my dreams of being an artist. Kaji Aso studio took special interest in my potential as a watercolorist and took me under their mentorship.
What passions do you bring to the BAC community?
Moriah: Being born with an invisible disability has made incredibly passionate about working with others with disabilities. I know how transformational art was in my life, so I dedicate much of my time to breaking down barriers individuals face when it comes to art making. Watching someone develop their voice and confidence through art making is indescribable.
Jessica: I am passionate about life, making art, and being an active member of our community. Annually, I sell my work at the Prudential Center and donate all sales to charity. Most of all, I want to share my love of beauty!
What do you enjoy most about the BAC?
We have very much enjoyed the people we have met at the BAC so far. We received such a warm welcome and the upmost accommodation. It’s so wonderful to have people from all walks of life be able to connect under one roof through mutual appreciation of art.
What was your favorite childhood art project?
Moriah: I was a crafty child, using trash we had around the house to create miniature worlds from dead batteries and hot glue. I noticed significant dyslexia when I was a kid, and rather than a hinderance to me, it became one of my greatest resources to see the world more creatively.
Jessica: My favorite childhood art projects were drawing with my mother who was a great encouragement for me throughout her life.
Who are some of your art heroes?
Moriah: I have too many to list, but Jenny Saville was a huge inspiration to me developing my own style by the way she brutalized and picked apart the human body through reference of morgue photos, the use of herself as a model.
And not to be cheesy, but I would have to say that Jessica is one of my art heroes. Her wonderful no-nonsense attitude every day in the studio and her lifelong commitment to her craft, despite significant obstacles, is very inspiring to me.
Jessica: My late mentor Kaji Aso was my biggest hero for his process and beautiful way of using watercolors. He really encouraged me to develop my own painting skills. Other than him, Moriah is an art mentor to me and has pushed me to do things bigger than I ever dreamed.
Do you have anything exciting coming up?
Moriah: We recently facilitated a huge community outreach project where we got help from a local day program to start our mural for the BAC. Other than is very exciting project, Recently, I was selected by the Kennedy Center as a finalist for of the Nation’s Best Emerging Artists with Disabilities and will be travelling to Washington DC in January for the national exhibition and reception at the state house.
Jessica: I am very enthused by the mural project that we are in the middle of creating. In December I am donating a collection of scarves and a framed print for the Federation of Children with Special Need’s annual holiday gala at the Prudential Center. I love getting dressed up and attending the banquet every year!
