J9Joy started from the simple desire “to make beautiful things” for myself and for others. Creativity has always been a huge part of who I am. I’ve learned by doing, inspired by other creators’ work—by videos and tutorials, classes and nature.
When I started to combine the various crafts I’d been doing in new ways that were my own, people started referring to it as art. Family and friends (and friends of the family) started to request pieces, some customized to match their own spaces and aesthetics. I began to think about putting my art out into the world in a bigger way. And, here we are!
Recycling and upcycling are a large part of my process. I love to give bottles, lamps, lampshades, old sheet music, magazines, newspapers, clothes, linens, thrifted books, frames, etc. a new, beautiful, and lasting life. It’s important to me to keep these items out of the landfills. It’s tremendously gratifying to see the joy they bring to others. The icing on the cake is those moments that I get to inspire people to reimagine upcycling in their own lives.
—J-9 (a.k.a. Janine / Aaron's & Daniel's Mom / Mrs. Liebman)
About Janine
Janine grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, graduated with a BA in Music from Columbia College and now makes her home in Los Angeles. She is married to Ian Liebman, a fellow musician and partner in J9 Joy. They have two boys and six cats.
While always creative, she only made things for herself or for gifts, shackled by the notion that “A jack of all trades is master of none.” One day, surrounded by things she had created and cabinets full of art supplies, she came across the full quote, written in the 1500s, ostensibly about Shakespeare, “A jack of all trades is master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one.”
With that, the dam built of self-doubt crumbled. She has described this as the moment that she gave herself permission to try anything. Everything became inspiration and the opportunity to learn new skills. Eventually, new and old skills, and even newer skills were combined into new things. People began to see her art, and to request it.
And, here we are. J9 Joy is both an unexpected destination and the start of a journey. Hopefully, you can be moved and inspired to explore your interests and let them become passions. Afterall . . .
“Anything worth doing, is worth doing badly.” — G.K. Chesterton
“Anything worth doing, is worth doing badly.” — G.K. Chesterton
“I was born to make mistakes, not to fake perfection.”– Drake
“I was born to make mistakes, not to fake perfection.”– Drake
“If you want to fly, give up everything that holds you down.” — Toni Morrison
“If you want to fly, give up everything that holds you down.” — Toni Morrison
Music from Janine's CD, Trinkets, can be found on iTunes and all music streaming sites.