We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jon Savage. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jon, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Surfing continues to bring me a deep sense of joy and peace. Early mornings in the ocean with just me, the waves, and the rhythm of nature have become a form of meditation. It clears my mind and recharges my spirit. Lately I’ve also been filming and capturing those quiet moments, blending them into my creative process. It is not just about riding waves. It is about staying connected to something bigger, which fuels everything I create in the studio.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jon Savage. I am a Deaf contemporary artist based in Southern California, blending visual storytelling with American Sign Language through paintings, video art, and immersive installations. My brand, Jon Savage Gallery, is rooted in bold color, emotion, and cultural identity. Each piece is a reflection of my lived experience and celebrates the beauty of Deaf culture, movement, and human connection. I create original artwork, fine art prints, and video art that invite viewers to feel and interpret their own stories. Right now, I’m working on a new series that fuses ASL poetry with visual motion to be showcased at several art festivals. Through my work, I aim to build bridges across communities and create space for authentic expression.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful was standing on stage as a young Deaf child, performing in American Sign Language for an audience. I remember the moment clearly. Hands moving. Eyes watching. The energy in the room. I could feel the connection. That experience showed me the power of expression through movement and presence. It was the first time I realized that my voice didn’t need sound to be understood. That moment shaped my belief in visual language and still fuels my work as an artist today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Being Deaf in a world built for sound has come with struggle, isolation, and constant barriers. But those challenges taught me something success never could. They showed me how to stand strong in who I am. Suffering pushed me to develop deeper awareness, patience, and creativity. I learned how to communicate in powerful visual ways, to connect without relying on words, and to find strength in my identity. It shaped my art, my purpose, and my voice. Success may open doors. Suffering taught me how to build them when none existed.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I protect the value of visual language and full access to communication. As a Deaf artist, I believe that everyone deserves to be seen, understood, and represented on their own terms. American Sign Language is more than just a language. It is a culture, a worldview, and a source of identity and pride. I fight for spaces where Deaf people can express themselves freely and be respected without needing to conform. This value shapes how I create, how I collaborate, and how I show up in the world.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes. I create because I have something to express, not because I expect praise. My art comes from a place of personal truth and connection to the Deaf experience. Recognition is meaningful, but it is not the reason I show up and do the work. Even in silence, I keep creating. Even when no one is watching, I keep pushing forward. That commitment is part of who I am. The process itself is the reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jonsavagegallery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonsavagegallery/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonlsavage/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonSavageGallery
