Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie King
Jackie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a art teacher. I have been teaching gardening classes and painting classes for about nine years. I teach all over San Diego, private and public events.
One of my classes that has received a lot of attention. Recently was a painter motorcycle class hosted at Harley Davison..
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I started painting when I was two or three. It’s always been a part of my life to create beautiful paintings. I had a few years in my early twenties when I worked full time as an artist, selling my paintings at street fairs and coffee shops. Then, after working in several other industries throughout my twenties, I returned to making art full time where my passion really belongs.
Being a self employed artist is a bumpy road. Often times work comes in waves or doesn’t come at all for periods of time. It can feel like a roller coaster. But I started my art teaching business 9 years ago, to not only share the joy of painting, but to anchor myself within the community, teaching at many local business, as well as corporate team building events and family gatherings. It has been really rewarding seeing the happy reactions of my students, and the local businesses who provide the space for these classes. The process of creating something yourself is such a rewarding experience.
Obviously Covid hurt my business. We struggled to stay afloat and as the pandemic continued on and on, I had to say goodbye to many independent contractors who had taught with me or been a part of my story along the way. I kept going. I taught art online for adults and kids home from school. I worked in my studio alone, talking to art students through Zoom, until we were able to have gatherings again. It was a major hit for my business, but because art is my life purpose, I continued and prevailed. It was a good time to try new things. For example, Paint Your Pet was a success and helped me build back after Covid. I began to work with other local businesses, to try new ideas, including painting on tote bags, and other items and paintings for specialized events. I’ve done many variations of a traditional art class, to reach new students and find business in new areas. My favorite event, an original idea I created and the only one of its kind in the country, is Paint a Portrait of Your Motorcycle. “Paint your Motorcycle” for short. I hand draw each persons motorcycle and walk them through the process of creating a custom piece From the details on their bike to creative background ideas.
In July of 2024 I was working in San Diego , teaching one of these classes, when I was served with a stack of lawsuit paperwork. I barely had the time to look at the first page, but I saw my name, the name of my business, and the statement that they are coming after me for upwards of $25,000. Using the Unruh civil rights act, two men and a lawyer were suing me for discrimination against men. This came as a total surprise.
When I was approached a couple years ago about teaching the Paint Your Motorcycle class in association with a women’s riding group, of course that was an enthusiastic “Yes”!
I remember when I got my first motorcycle, it was exciting but lonely. I didn’t know any other girl riders, and it took 6 months of riding alone before I found another “women’s motorcycle meet up” and I finally met other girls to ride with. Some of these girls became my best friends, and we have been riding together for 12 years now. .So I thought this would be an amazing chance to create a safe space for women in a industry that is completely dominated by men, to come and do a creative project, and get to know other riders, so they can create the same kind of lasting bonds that have had such an enormous impact on my life., Every other one of my events is co-ed, but I thought this sounded like a great idea.
This lawsuit is based on what I believe to be an unfortunate trend that has been happening in the San Diego courts. Men are legally attacking business and individuals who are creating safe spaces for women, and declaring it discrimination against them. With a little research I found similar cases, with news articles entailing what happened.. These women are small businesses, struggling to survive just like me.
It feels like women can’t have safe spaces anymore.
I was living my purpose in its entirety. And now I stand to lose it all.
I am currently working with a legal team to fight these allegations, because this issue is affecting so many small female entrepreneurs in the San Diego area. I hope to find success not only for me and my art business, but for all the women creating positive movements for women’s empowerment across all disciplines.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work full time as an artist. I specialize in Murals using aerosol and acrylic. I also teach art classes using acrylic paint. I sell original paintings and prints and often create movable murals for festivals. I am known for bright colors, and sometimes a sort of tropical gothic skateboard style, although I am able to work in many styles and can paint abstract, Impressionism, cubism, cartoon and more.
What makes you happy?
Besides creating art, I live for action sports, I love to skate, surf and snowboard and ride motorcycles. All my friends I’ve met through action sports and I love to travel to explore more places to ride or skate or find new waves. I found myself in California after growing up in the PNW in order to pursue sports year around and this lifestyle has been the basis of my inspiration for my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: jackiedanger.com
- Instagram: @jackie_danger
