Jackie McGriff
Interview No. 243
Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.
Published August 21, 2020.
Where are you from? How did you end up in Rochester?
I grew up in Greece and have lived in the area my whole life, aside from four years at Florida Tech. When I finished college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I came back to Rochester trying to figure out what I was going to do and ended up staying.
What's your favorite way you've supported local during COVID?
I’ve ordered takeout from Jine’s and gone into Java’s. I donate to artists, through things like the Rochester Artist Collaborative. The Little Theatre is one of my favorite places in Rochester, and I’ve been going to their virtual theatre. I’ve also gotten curbside popcorn from them!
If you had $100 and two hours to kill, how would you spend the money/time?
I’d go to the Little Theatre and the Eastman Museum. I could tour that house all day every day! I’d spend some money at Village Gate, and maybe save some to sign up for Rochester Brainery classes later.
If you could only eat one Rochester food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Jine’s--their food is amazing. It’s impossible to have a bad dish there. Runners up include the Mad Hatter and Swillburger.
What's one memory that captures what Rochester means to you?
After college, I came back to Rochester and started volunteering for the RPO. I was sitting in the back and was like, “This is my happy place.” Eastman is such a staple. I think that’s the most Rochesterian thing to me.
What makes Rochester unique?
The art scene here, for sure. The fact that there’s an entire neighborhood of the arts, and that our city is so dedicated to the arts. Whether you’re a sculptor, painter, writer, photographer, or filmmaker, this is a really good city for artists. So many people are willing to help you, support you, and be your cheering section. There are so many avenues to be a part of the art scene!
What would you like to see change in Rochester over the next year?
Our city is very segregated. You see Black and Brown people in the city and the suburbs are predominantly white. I’d like to see that disrupted. Growing up in the suburbs, I’d constantly hear people talk about how dangerous the city is. To me, that sounds like someone who hasn’t been in the city enough to know better. For the most part, Rochester is not that. A lot of that mindset is stemmed in ignorance. The segregated structure needs to be disrupted.
If Rochester was a person, what kind of person would it be?
Rochester is someone who is very artsy and loves supporting small businesses. They prefer Wegmans and farmers’ markets to other grocery store chains. They go to mom and pop restaurants, not chain restaurants. They’re all about putting money back into the local economy.
Tell me about your photography work.
I’m in the middle of a shift with my business. In the past, I’ve done high school senior portraits, family photos, and headshots. Now, I’m focusing more on high school senior photography. I mentor teens through my church and have discussions with them about what they’re facing. I want to provide a safe space and platform for teens to tell their stories through photography. We’re throwing these teenagers out into the world at the end of high school, asking “What do you want to do for the rest of your life?” Through my photography, I want to get down to the core of who they are and what they care about.
Where do you go to get inspired?
Turning Point Park is my favorite park in Rochester. It’s a huge, pretty park to walk around. I also enjoy Mendon Ponds, Durand Eastman Beach, and Cumming Nature Center. The whole aesthetic of the area from the Eastman Theatre down to the Liberty Pole is great too. There’s something about it I really love.
What advice would you give to up and coming photographers in Rochester?
Focus on one genre. When I first started, I was trying to do all the things. If you’re starting it on the side, just pick one thing to focus on. Take the jobs you want and do what you want. Time is too short to do stuff you don’t enjoy. You're going into photography as a choice, so do what you love!
Jackie McGriff is a photographer who loves Rochester's arts and culture scene. For more of her perspective, visit our Instagram.
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