Today we’d like to introduce you to Christen Jo Blackman
Hi Christen Jo, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My artist life for me starts out with an outstretched hand by my Grandmother welcoming me to the stage. I grew up in dance. But can remember starting to draw at the same time. Over time I did clogging, jazz/ballet, and ballroom dancing. Art was just as important if not my favorite hobby. Drawing people and then the clothes would become the key important thing to me. I started designing clothes “officially” at 15. I went to ETSU for Apparel Merchandising. More recently, I graduated from the Radio TV Journalism course at NSCC (Nova Scotia). I’m a freelancer. I’m a fashion stylist. I’m a food stylist. I’m a sustainable designer (The Drip by C Jo). I’m an artist. I do voiceover. I’m a performer. I’m my own paper doll. I write poetry and do spoken word. My hobbies and work are somewhat the same. Just Iike myself, these things change too.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing is a smooth road, except a smooth road. Even then it’s all about what you’re driving with and how you drive it. Me? I love to drive. Struggles come and go, but listening to my intuition serves me best. Learning to listen to that is part of that “struggle.” But I’d like to reframe it as: part of my greatest work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Fashion Stylist. I’m a Food Stylist. I love to help create and set a scene whether that’s on the runway, on a Tv/movie set, or working on a commercial/photo/video shoot. I am an up-cycler. I like to work with what I have. How can I make this better? (If it needs to be, that’s important too!)
I’ve made clothing completely from recycled goods. My Drip Line consists solely of secondhand goods that I give a new life. I recently taught myself to paint. Which led to working with found objects and putting this work in my very own art exhibit called, “Have A Nice Day!” on April 26, 2025 (Saturday) at 7-10 PM at Sassy Ann’s (820 N 4th Ave, Knoxville TN 37917). This has been a year in the making and I’d love to show you what I’ve created. I’ll be painting live with DJ DREWSKII and we’re gonna have a dance party and look at some art. You’ll be able to shop the event, in True C Jo Fashion.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Not listening to the naysayers from the sidelines. If I listened to those negative comments, I would have never done anything. Today it’s still not easy, but “Rising Strong” by Brene Brown really helped me with that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.style-by-cjo.com
- Instagram: Stylebycjo
