**Jewel Discusses New Single and Artistic Journey Amid Personal Reflections on Nurturing Relationships**
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Singer-songwriter Jewel has unveiled her latest single, “Upon Meeting the Goddess of Love,” ahead of her much-anticipated album release. The song is set to be available on Thursday, April 16, and in a recent interview with PEOPLE, the four-time Grammy nominee opened up about her evolving perspective on love, dating, and the significance of connection in today’s world.
During a recent lunch at a West Hollywood hotel, Jewel displayed her nurturing nature by ensuring an ample spread of food, including glazed ribs and chicken salad, for her interviewer. This small gesture serves as a precursor to her deeper discussions about care and the importance of cultivating relationships, which she feels has become increasingly rare in contemporary society.
At 51, Jewel is embracing a fresh chapter in her creative journey, which not only encompasses her new single but also a growing portfolio of visual art. She is preparing for an exhibition titled “Matriclysm: An Archaeology of Connections Lost,” set to open in Venice on May 6 and run through November 22. In her artistic explorations, Jewel is probing what she terms “the feminine principle,” which transcends aesthetics to embody the capacity to nurture, connect, and maintain relationships with oneself and others.
Reflecting on her journey, Jewel confided, “I started asking myself, what does femininity actually mean in my life?” She expanded this inquiry to consider her relationships with her mother, her son Kase, and the earth itself. However, she pointed out a disconnect in her own life regarding the ability to nurture and be nurtured, citing a societal shift that has undermined the depth of human connections.
In her new single, Jewel channels her thoughts on love, conceptualising it not as a destination but as a transformative force that reshapes identities in profound ways. “We are changed by the people we love,” she remarked, her emotions evident as she spoke of love’s profound impact.
Though her romantic life has quieted since her high-profile marriage to rodeo star Ty Murray, which ended in divorce in 2014, Jewel finds solace and fulfilment in her current life as a single mother to Kase, who is now 14. She shared that romantic pursuits have taken a back seat, explaining, “It hasn’t been a big priority. I love my life. I love running my house. I love making my own shots.”
This reframing of love has brought Jewel a sense of wholeness; she does not feel incomplete without a romantic partner. “I really am in love with my life,” she reiterated, suggesting that her understanding of love has expanded to encompass friendship, community, and self-acceptance.
Her journey into adulthood, particularly within the music industry, was not without its challenges. Jewel candidly spoke about the pressures she faced early in her career, detailing the high cost of navigating a predatory environment while struggling with body image. “I’ve paid the price of people not paying me because I wouldn’t have sex with them,” she revealed, highlighting the struggles that many women face in similar circumstances.
This complexity is captured in her upcoming exhibition, wherein one piece reflects on the often-ignored history of women’s reproductive rights. Another standout feature is “Heart of the Ocean,” a remarkable kinetic sculpture that translates real-time ocean data into sound and light, effectively turning nature itself into an interactive instrument.
Jewel’s artistic expression does not shy away from challenging societal narratives. One piece controversially examines Kim Kardashian’s infamous sex tape, which she reframes as a subject of discussion surrounding narrative control. “It’s meant to shame you,” Jewel commented, adding that women have learned to reclaim this narrative for themselves.
While her art may provoke thought, Jewel is wary of dictating perspectives. “Nothing’s more unattractive than someone trying to change your mind,” she jested. Instead, she seeks to foster an environment for reflection and connection, steering clear of a culture that prioritises opinions over empathy.
“The goal is to create spaces where people feel safe enough to ask themselves difficult questions,” she stated, noting her aim to re-establish connections rather than division. Motherhood, she mused, has enriched her understanding of love, presenting it as multifaceted and communal, rather than finite or singular.
In essence, Jewel’s journey is one of transformation and evolution. The singer, artist, and mother is not just exploring her own definitions of love but also inviting others to join her in this dialogue. For now, she continues to navigate her world, content with the relationships she nurtures, both with herself and with others.