STATEMENT
Ooh, Ahh, Just a Little Bit:
As a kid, I watched a lot of cartoons and music videos. I drew a lot of women and cats. As an adult, I transform myself into women and cats, (amongst other things) and make my own cartoons and music videos. Throughout various media, the core components that make-up the personality of my work are cartooning, comedy, time and music, and femininity.
Jones posing at a screening of "Dixie Line." Baltimore, MD. 2017
She'Knead Thisgig on the mic during Q&A for a pageant hosted at The Stonewall Inn. New York City. 2018
Ooh, Ahh, a Little Bit More:
Prior to studying Illustration, I worked as a writer at Creative Loafing Atlanta where I contributed articles and reviews for the Crib Notes music blog. I was adamant in only covering women artists (it was otherwise a boys club). Simultaneously, I worked at V-103.3 under the leadership of media titans Frank Ski, Wanda Smith, and Egypt Sherrod.
In the proximity of renowned entertainers, I repressed my urges to be one--until I found my star power, ironically, through drawing media. As further contradictions would prove, being a performer made me a better illustrator. For the sake of earnings, I sharpened my storytelling senses and learned more about drawing anatomy, lighting, and folds by working with make-up and fashion.
Jones with Iggy Azalea at Terminal West in Atlanta, GA. 2013
BIOGRAPHY
Artist in the studio. Staten Island, NY. 2016.
Keiff Jones, a.k.a. She’Knead Thisgig, is an American artist based in Atlanta, GA. Jones earned two degrees in 2018–a BFA from Parsons School of Design and a BA in Literary Studies (with a concentration in Writing) from Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts. His work has been featured in galleries, television broadcasts, festivals, and publications across the globe. In various capacities, Jones has worked with popular artists and corporations including Lauryn Hill, Iggy Azalea, Coca Cola, CBS Radio, and more.
Jones applies illustration and storytelling using a multidisciplinary approach that includes drawing, audio and video production, make-up/beauty, sewing, and live performance. of illustration He uses satire, collage, and self-portrait to critique his experience of the world. His alternate universe is a cartoon dimension that clashes the crude (organic materials, DIY, imperfections) and the polished (new media and technology, classic beauty, internationality). It foregoes the rules of time, place, and gender, while highlighting color, harmony, symbology, prosperity and innovation.
Jones’ practice evolved from page-based to performance-based in 2016. Adding make-up and beauty, live performance, fashion, and music led to the invention of drag queen She’Knead Thisgig in 2018.
As She’Knead, Jones’ unique voiceovers and stage presentations started a trend in New York City nightlife and drag entertainment across the spectrum. She'Knead's reach expanded his reach when he appeared as a contestant on season 3 of the OutTV series “Camp Wannakiki” in 2021.
In his current practice, Jones creates commercial media and fine art based on She’Knead Thisgig.
Special talent. New York City. 2021