Meet Jay Rosemary | Artist | Photographer | Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jay Rosemary and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jay, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Was there even any thought behind it at all? Not really. I started out as just a creator. Starting at the end of 2020, I created paper collages out of old magazines and books. I made them for about 6 months before people started asking for commissioned pieces and to buy the original works from me. I was floored that I could create something that other people not only enjoyed, but resonated with. Then about a year into the collage making, I started doing pop-ups around town. I became Jay’s Paper Cuts. I finally saw myself as an artist and was becoming a known part of the creative community. Then at the beginning of 2023, I was in a terrible creative rut. There wasn’t a single collage that would come out of my brain. I decided to switch mediums for awhile. I picked up a camera that I bought off a friend several years prior and dusted it off to see what I could create that way. It took no time at all for me to find my groove in photography. It helped that I was working for a photo studio, renting out spaces to other photographers. With photography, I had some prior knowledge, as I’ve always loved and had an interest in it. With the guidance of my friend and fellow photographer, Bryan Wysong, my hobby turned into a passion. I quickly found that photographing people was enjoyable and invigorating. You don’t realize how vulnerable being in front of a camera is, and I’ve been told my presence behind the camera is calming. I take pride in making people feel comfortable and shed some of the fear that comes with being photographed. I’ve been taking photos of people, whether it be a maternity photoshoot, headshots, boudoir, or just portraits, for about a year now. I brand myself as “Jinks Photography”. All in all, I never really planned on owning my own business. I just follow what my heart wants to do, and apparently people are into it and want to support me and my art. My “next steps” involve diving more into the “business” aspect of my creative journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ll start with my collages- they are what initially defined me as an artist. My collages primarily use recycled materials, materials that predate 2000, and are one of a kind. First and foremost, I am a queer person. That seeps into everything I create. Whether it’s a proclamation of love, lust, or desire, my collages have a queer undertone. I like to create with the unconventional in mind. Flying fish, folks in space, layers of naked women… There’s always something new and “unusual” to look at. My collages have been featured as a beer can label for a local brewery. My collages have also been featured in an international zine. I am proud as hell over the places that my collaging has taken me. Now for photography– What I am currently immersed in. Once again, being a queer artist has set me apart from a lot of the other photographers in the area. I focus on taking people “as they are” and not dolled up caricatures of themselves. I want people to come to me to feel beautiful in their own skin, because I truly believe all people are beautiful. I capture the essence of people, I capture more than what the camera can see. I sound braggy, but I can make just about anyone feel calm and comfortable. I am in the middle of some of my most important projects as we speak. I was given the opportunity to photograph LGBTQ+ Youth and mentors for a new Q+ Youth Center in Dayton. My other project is photographing a line of non-binary underwear that is unveiling. I also offer a pay-what-you-can package to the Trans community who want to document their transition. When I said being queer seeps into everything I create, I wasn’t lying.
It isn’t easy being queer in general, but as for my come-up in the art community in Dayton, it wasn’t hard to breakout. I’m proud of the connections I have made in Dayton as a whole and it is what has made me so successful today. The biggest lesson I have learned is that not everyone has the best intentions, not every creator has a heart of gold. I befriend nearly everyone and that doesn’t always shake out well. Overall, coming into my own as an artist was easy as hell. The hardest part is/was not having the confidence in myself or my abilities. I’m my own harshest critic, ya know?

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh. My. Gosh. I love Dayton and all the hidden gems the city has to offer. Each morning would have to start out at Ghostlight Coffee- both the Midtown and South Park locations. I believe it’s the most charming coffee shop we have to offer. I recommend the Bee Sting Latte (with oat milk) or any one of their seasonal flavors. Next, for breakfast or brunch we’d hit up the following spots: Hasty Tasty Pancake House for a classic little diner feel, The Ugly Duckling for some of the best pancakes you can imagine, and Lily’s in the Oregon District for some hearty brunch food and morning cocktails. After we eat, we’d walk around Riverscape for awhile. Check out the beautiful river, sit on some swinging benches, ice skate if it’s cold, or if it’s warm and we’re feeling adventurous try our hand at some river surfing with Surf Up Dayton. If we’re looking to drive a little, I’d take us to Hills and Dales in Kettering, Glenn Helen in Yellow Springs, or Indian Mound Reserve in Cedarville for a little bit of hiking. Lunch would be back in Dayton since there is no shortage of good eats around town. My favorite stops would be: Blind Bob’s Bar for their appetizers or grilled PB&J, Jimmie’s Ladder 11 for burgers, Tony & Pete’s for sandwiches… Oh there’s so much good in Dayton. Then, we’d go record shopping over at Omega Music or Blind Rage (trans owned shop!) By this point we’d be exhausted and need to go back to my cozy little home in the St. Anne’s Historic District to relax and listen to our purchased records. Once we’re recharged, it’ll be time for a premier craft beer (NA options available to folks like yours truly) at Barrel House. No matter the time of day or day of the week, the vibes in there are always immaculate. We could bring our new records in for Vinyl Vinyl Sunday, hang out on a Friday or Tuesday for a sick DJ set, attending Wu-Tang Wednesday, Thursday Night Open Mic… There’s always something kick-ass to do there and will be a required stop at least twice during our trip. We’d head for dinner at Salar, Corner Kitchen, or Sueno, since we’re feeling fancy. Post-Dinner must-dos include: Black Box Improv Theater, The Neon local movie theater, and free concerts at The Levitt Pavilion. To top off the night, we’d head to Tender Mercy- the underground bar, or Red Star for some darts and drinks. The in-between moments would be spent taking photos in the Davis-Linden building (where I manage some studio spaces) which is a hidden gem to this city. Other excellent photo spots would be in the Oregon District, atop the parking garages, and Riverscape. There’s so much to do in around here, ya just gotta look!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a ton of people that helped me get to where I am today. I wouldn’t be here if a lot of different people didn’t take a chance on me, my art, and my dreams. First and foremost, I would like to shoutout my awesome partner Sara Levin. She’s been a supporter of my art long before we were together, and has encouraged me to pursue my dreams from the very beginning. I love her and her constant support. Secondly, I’d like to thank the photographer community. Every photographer that I have approached to pick their brain and learn from them has welcomed me with open arms. One particular photographer, Bryan Wysong, has been instrumental in my photography journey. His tips, tricks, and constant mentorship are a huge reason for my success. Lastly, my family needs a shoutout. My grandparents come to every pop-up they can, they purchase my art time and again, and never once questioned why I was going into the arts. My sister has also been a huge staple to my success. She’s also a photographer & artist, so she allows me to practice on her and teaches me more than I ever realized. It takes a community to grow, and I feel so lucky I have such a large one supporting me.

Website: jinks-photography.com

Instagram: @jpeg.jinks @jayspapercuts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordanrosemary3/ (Or just search Jay Rosemary)

Other: Email: Photography inquires: [email protected] Collage inquires: [email protected]

Image Credits
All photos credited to Jay Rosemary (myself)