I met Jerris through a mutual friend in 2011. I was a young artist that just started my journey making jewelry as a way to pass time and recover from crippling depression. I was shy and fearful of meeting people. Jerris was very warm, kinsd and very friendly.

Jerris came to me with an interest to own some one-of-a-kind jewelry. At the time, I was not selling any of my pieces because I was just getting started. and I was very afraid to do so. I did not think I was any good at it for consideration of someone giving me money for y work. He was so excited and convince me to make a few pieces for him. I was petrified. He told me to trust myself and give it a try and to allow myself to imagine how far I can go with the possibilities to create things that I love. I trusted him with that advice and made him a few pieces and mailed it out to him.

I did not imagine that my first customer will also become one of my first mentors.

He responded back with such glee to receive his bracelets, highlighting his love for the color, feel, and energy. He applauded me and gave me some very simple yet powerful words, “Be fearless in your work and do not be afraid to try. You will go far if you choose it”

I wear those words like a badge of honor

Jerris would begin to check on me and ask about my work, giving me tips and also showing me emotional support. We shared many conversations of art, photography, life and everything else in between. He is a brilliant mind, a fountain of information. Aways had something to challenge you with. One day I told him that I wanted to start an online shop and I wanted to ask him for a favor. Jerris is a remarkable photographer and I always admired and love his work. I asked him if he would be interested in photographing my work. He told me no and I was deeply disappointed. Absolustely gutted. I asked him why and he responded by saying “I think you will do great photographing your own work. You have an eye or it. You should give it a go”. Again I was reluctant because I wanted him to do it. He said “Get you a camera and go for it” I did just that. My mom brought me a broken canon t3 with a broken lense and I went to work. That lead me through an even more transformative series of events that led me here today.

Jerris planted multiple seeds in me giving me the faith and courage to do so many things. I have sold my work across the world, met many people, and gotten the opportunity to create amazing pieces of jewelry and photography because of him. I like to think that he is part of every piece and every shot. He has introduced me to so many other artists and models and creatives. His love for art, fashion, and culture is rich and abundant. not only did he own it though his style and work he fully posessed it.

I have seen him touch so many lives through his passion and devotion to people through his publication “Obvious Magazine”, a platform that fosters and harnesses a philosophy and community of talent, innovators, and visionaries in the world of art fashion, culture, and more. He loved people, especially artist and his community not only supported amazing people but embodies it. I am very thankful that he allowed me to be part of his community.

Jerris is such a chill person filled with high energy with his swag and style. I always love the energy he exudes when you are interacting with him. He gives you a rush and a burst of adrenaline. He feeds your spirit and you are so compelled to feed and give back to him. He has such a way of creating dialog through his body and his work. Jerris was masterful with people.

There are not enough words to express how sad I feel to know that he os no longer with us. He has always been a visionary and his way of creating something from nothing has always been remarkable. The way that Jerris’ soul can transform, transcribe and reimagine artists and artistry has been one of his greatest gifts to the world outside of his grace, charm, wit, humor, candor, and love. I am beyond grateful to witness how Jerris has created worlds for so many, including my own.

You will be greatly missed.

Rest easy and thank you for everything.