I am a fan of cool collaborations, so I was excited to learn that Tommy Breeze (whom I interviewed for our March 19 issue) had collaborated on a hat with designer Courtney Booker for San Rafael’s recent PorchFest. Booker is also the creator of the design brand concept So Jelly Jelly, which features whimsical prints of local landmarks and is available on Etsy.
Where do you live?
San Rafael, with my husband and two kids.
How long have you lived in Marin?
I’m originally from LA. I lived in Pittsburgh, New York and Portland before landing here about 20 years ago.
What do you do?
I dip my toes in a variety of things: animation, branding, commercials and paintings. My print series was born during the pandemic in an attempt to keep my family’s spirits up while we were all on lockdown, and we’ve since visited all the locations.
Where can we find you when you’re not at work?
I’m a beach lover. My favorite thing is to catch a sunset at Rodeo or Muir.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin is, where would you take them?
Up on the ridge overlooking Stinson at sunset will make anyone fall in love with Marin.
What’s one thing Marin is missing?
It’s hard for any artist to afford living and or working in Marin—I’d love to see more artist/designer run shops.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites? Support local. Instead of Amazon, spend your dollars at local shops and on artist-made goods.
If you could ask anyone to join you at dinner, who would you invite?
My paternal grandmother. I’m pretty sure she’s the reason I’m an artist. Through my father’s recent passing, I’ve discovered some of her beautiful work.
What’s some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
Twenty years ago, I would have never imagined how wonderful my life would be. Things work out. I wish I could have told myself it was OK to remain true to who I am as an artist—even if it means you don’t fit into every circle.
What’s something that 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?
I know we are all concerned about kids and screens. My biggest concern is the lack of art in schools and the takeover of AI, as it affects all creative thinking. There would be no Einstein or Picasso had they relied on recycled ideas.
Big question. What’s one thing you’d do to change the world?
Aside from global warming, I wish we could put an end to AI. I hate to think of robots taking over creativity!
See Booker’s designs at etsy.com/shop/SoJellyJelly and @sojellyjelly.
Nish Nadaraja can be found at @IveGotNissues.
