Interview

Jul 19

Jaleel Davis

Jaleel Davis is from Somerville, MA. His work has been exhibited in the Wellin Museum in Clinton, NY. He specializes in portraiture, creating original paintings with impactful use of color, expression, and composition. He has been drawing since he was 5 years old, drawing from how-to draw books, drawing characters from his favorite cartoons. His focus, as an artist, has always been improving his skills in visualizing the world around him. His use of oil paint translates into his practice of digital art. His art focuses on culture, music, society, and the emotions and feelings we go through as people every day. Art has given him a voice and he utilizes his passion to reflect on society through his own lens. Portraits speak to you and gives you a feeling of relatability. He was blessed to study Fine Arts and Economics at Hamilton College, where he graduated in 2019. His passion for art has only grown through his education in drawing, painting, photography and ceramics. It will never fade and he will always draw.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I was born in Cambridge, Ma and grew up in Somerville, MA but for those that don't know Massachusetts I'm from Boston. Both my mom and my dad are Jamaican and I hold that part of my identity very dear to me. I have been a part of the art world since a very young age. If I had to put an age to it I would say I was 4 years old. I've grown through the years as a self taught artist until I went to Hamilton College and double majored in Economics and Fine Arts with a focus in painting.”

What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?

“My work has different stages. My work reflects the world I am living in at the time. Sometimes, that is my head and a lot of the times it is what I see on the outside. I have had periods of times when my work was focused on activism and societal issues. While those issues are still important to me, currently, I paint to relate. I am a portrait artist. My subjects relate to me and they relate to my audience. I primarily paint black figures and in a way I'm still addressing my stance on society but through a different lens.”

Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?

"My process is fun and similar to how I approach life. I believe everything needs a plan but it also needs flow. I draw from my inspiration, from what I see, hear, and feel whether that be in real life or on the web. From there, I compose my pieces with pencil. When it's time to add color or detail I go into my toolkit implementing things I've learned and my innate creativity to flow with the piece. My backgrounds scream gesture and innovation.”

Are there any art world trends you are following?

“I am a digital artist now. I will never use AI for art. I don't believe in that personally but also don't knock anyone that's using it. It's just not for me. Oil paint and acrylic is beautiful but it's just not as accessible. I still do work with those mediums from time to time”

What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?

“Inspiration, my phone primarily, a stylus, and a plethora of techniques learned by myself and from my professors, Katherine Kuharic and Bill Salzillo.”

What does your art mean to you?

“Art is my purpose. My mind isn't really like others and I love that about me. I never forget to remind myself, I will never stop making art. It connects me with people and the world. Most importantly, it connects me with myself.”

What’s your favourite artwork and why?

“This is tough. Most of my life I've never even had a favorite artist. I definitely have people I like and look out for but I, honestly, don't have an answer. The last painting I ever work on will be my favorite.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“My senior thesis was exhibited in the Wellin Museum in Clinton, NY. I've had several showcases and pieces in publications as well, both large and small. I'm looking forward to exhibit more in the future.”