By Michael Solender

Lena Jackson was born a diva – at least that’s how she describes herself in an online bio.

And while she’s unquestionably confident and self-assured, it only takes a brief conversation with her to see a more nuanced and reflective character reveal itself in a sensitive and engaging way. Jackson’s focus is more outward facing and driven towards uncovering the personas of those around her through her artistry – a skill she developed at a very young age.

“My father was an active hobby-artist,” said Jackson. “He put his paintbrush in my hand when I was a baby, literally passing the artist baton to the next generation. I began to recognize my talent as early as the second grade. They gave me a little art show at my school. By the time I was in my teens, I was making money from my art, doing caricatures in the lobby of my uncle’s restaurant, charging $5 while people waited in line to get their food.”

Jackson, 52, a Charlotte native, has never looked back. She is a full-time cartoonist, muralist, aspiring animator, part-time columnist, self-published author, sporadic painter, occasional spoken-word poet, devoted art teacher and round-the-clock mom and friend.

And now, she’s a 2023 ASC Creative Renewal Fellowship recipient.

Rewards of a teaching artist

Jackson has done caricature work for hire, cartooning and illustration for many local and nationally recognized organizations including, Microsoft, Coca Cola, Carowinds, the Charlotte Post, Pride Magazine and NASCAR. A quick, 5-minute sketch of BET founder and former Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) owner Bob Johnson led to project work with the NBA team.

But some of her most rewarding work has been as a teaching artist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) in its Greater Enrichment Program after school engagement. She’s also taught as an adjunct faculty member at Johnson C. Smith University. Jackson says her work with young people is inspiring. “I have a passion for learning and teaching,” she said. “It’s motivating to help uncover the talents of others.”

A graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with additional private art instruction at the former Winston-Salem Community School of the Arts, Jackson’s training and education exposed her to formal portraiture, styles, structure, and techniques associated with classic painting.

However, she’s always gravitated to caricature and cartooning. She long ago eschewed those who chided her about painting more “serious work,” and followed her inner voice and that of a trusted mentor who encouraged her to follow her passion.

“The thing about caricature that attracts me,” she said, “is through exaggeration I find a way to show the person’s personality more deeply.  I get a kick out of doing that, especially when it’s a celebrity and it’s a well-known person. I love doing it, but I’m never cruel. I try to be funny, flattering and to, in a small way, poke fun, but never by being mean.”

Jackson sees cartooning as a vehicle to deliver messages in an easy to consume way.

“One of the things that appeals to me is that you can give people medicine with sugar,” she said. “By that I mean, I can share serious or contrary messages in a medium that can connect in a humorous, or less serious way.”

Unlocking a dream

Jackson looks to use her ASC Creative Renewal Fellowship recipient to further pursue her career goals of expanding her animation practice. She’s identified master classes and personalized instruction offered by expert animators, screenwriters, and producers. With Los Angeles being the hub of animation film production nationally, Jackson plans to use her funding to subsidize her travel, living and instruction expenses.

“You are never too old to pursue your dreams,” she said, in reflecting on the gift of the fellowship. “I feel a bit sad when I see people get older and things didn’t happen for them at 25. They’re like, ‘Oh, it’s just not meant to be.’

“I’ve never stopped dreaming. This fellowship is liberating for me and is helping me unlock the dream I’ve had for a very long while. I can’t wait to get to work.”