GenJah: Participant Spotlight on Ebony Watts
Today, we’re sitting down with Ebony “Joy” Watts to talk about her experience with Seattle Restored. Learn more about her brand, GenJah, her artistic focus while participating in the Lake City Artist Residency, and how her connection to nature inspires her clay work and wearable art.
Q: Tell us about your artistic focus. where do you draw inspiration from?
Hello, I’m Ebony Watts. Most people just call me Joy. If we’re talking focus, to be honest, that’s a trick question. I’m a mom, so focus comes and goes, but my children inspire me in my life—my past, present, and future. Above all else, there’s Mother Nature. I’m a braider, sculptor, and crochet specialist.
Q: Why did you apply for Seattle Restored? how will this opportunity help you reach your goals?
Well, my partner helped a lot. We were strolling Downtown Seattle—he’d never been—and his charm bespoke a fellow who took akin to our company. One thing led to another and he mentions Seattle Restored and its advocacy for underrepresented artists such as myself. Being a POC, it’s easy to feel like there aren’t a lot of things you can do to get the exposure for your art. When he told us, we knew it would be a great opportunity.
Since joining, I’ve met so many amazing people and patrons; individuals who, like me, need the shine and platform this program offers in droves.
In the future, I aspire to own a hybrid studio/shop/supply store. Think a funky place you can get all your artistically beautiful needs brought to you by GenJah brands.
Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR CONNECTION TO THE SEATTLE ART SCENE. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST ABOUT CREATING ART IN SEATTLE?
My connections are…well…connective. What I mean is, I’m rather new, but familiar. There are so many places you can meet fellow artists—from coffee shops to the mall, or my favorite: the park. I’ve met so many talented artists like myself who need more peers.
One thing I gotta be honest about in terms of value in this Emerald City is the scenery. Seattle’s green as all outdoors. Being “outside” helps me be more free.
Art is where I’m my truest self. Seattle has been a breeding ground for my work. Unlike my hometown, it has earth tones that fit my life (at least right now).
Q: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU OR YOUR ART?
GenJah isn’t just a shameless plug. I am the plug. My skills are honed through my life. It’s authentic, it’s Baltimore, it’s me. Unfiltered and free.
I came a long way from home like a Black Dorothy to make this dream come true, and I can’t click my heels out of this.
So come join us at GenJah, engage in my craft and family vibes. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and gain a different perspective on art.
Q: Do you have any events or collaborations coming up?
As of now, my website is currently under reconstruction. There’s continued fellowship with Seattle Restored as one of the few Black women in this space and these types of spaces.
It would mean so much to evoke solidarity in my budding business. So stay tuned for more GenJah goods!
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
My biggest piece of advice would be something that’s always been true to my heart: be kind.
I pull this from the adage of “A person never forgets how someone treats them”.
This just means you build a bridge to cross it. Not burn it down. Be nice and everything will be alright.
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle Restored activation, and why?
Full disclosure: My own. Why? Because I feel it is safe to say a lot of effort and “focus” went into picking the art I create. I weave hair, braid, clay work, crochet, and do so many other things. All of which get a canvas in my residency and window art display in Lake City.
Assembling that, whilst raising two kids, moving, and maintaining my integrity is no small feat.
Lastly, what patrons and Seattle residents get is one of the most accomplished self-taught Black female artists around. Showcasing her hand-crafted art. That to me speaks volumes. And looks good, too!
Q: Where would you take visitors or a group of friends for a fun, relaxed experience in Seattle?
Fun and relaxed? Probably the park—there are so many to choose from. Probably the waterfront, too. Who doesn’t like to bird watch?
Q: What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
What I’m looking forward to most in this coming year is helping to restore Seattle. This opportunity has greatly affected my worldview. With this opportunity stoking my fire of creativity, I plan to pivot this into the beginning of something greater than it is now.
GenJah at Lake City Artist Residency
Address:
12325 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
Open hours: Window Displays (Viewable Anytime); Residency open Monday-Saturday (visit the residency profile for specific hours)
Dates: April 26 – September 15, 2025