jean-jacques is a Haitian-born artist, father, and teacher living in Philadelphia. He started painting in his father’s studio, before he could walk, and later studied at the University of the Arts and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. jean-jacques found yoga while at art school in 2001, and has delighted in consistent practice and study since. he has studied and trained in Ashtanga, Vinyasa flow, Thai Massage, AcroYoga, Anusara, and Yogahour. In both art making and embodied practices, he honors the power and potential of rituals, inspired creativity, and human connection to foster freedom. jean-jacques has taught in prisons, public schools, yoga studios, and festivals both nationally and internationally. He currently co-leads the teacher training program at Studio 34 in West Philly. jean-jacques is the co-creator of a yoga clothing clothing line with Philadelphia Printworks called “The Embodied Collection.” It was created to honor and inspire the efforts of people of color in creating wellness. The line is rooted in the words of Audre Lorde, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.”