How old are you?
26
Where are you from?
Raised in Memphis, TN and currently
residing in Cincinnati, OH
Why the move?
I dropped out of college and took a
personal break. Then my older sister
accepted a new job here. I was look-
ing for a change in scenery and de-
cided to finish up school here. I will
be graduating in May with a Bach-
elors in Visual Communication De-
sign and a minor in Marketing
When did you start painting?
2009 during my sophomore year.
I was going to school for Graphic
Design. Basic drawing and painting
were a part of the curriculum. Black
and white drawings kind of bored
me. So once I picked up the brush
and discovered the magic of colors
and different techniques, I knew it
would be a part of my life forever.
When does your mental state or
emotions come out in your work?
I am happiest when painting. Even
when I’m not in the best mood, it
helps take my mind to a different
space, one not focused on negative
energy. I can just create and have
positive thoughts. I don’t always
paint to be in a good mood though.
Sometimes painting helps me illus-
trate my emotions. It is much eas-
ier to cope with certain emotions
when you create something that
represents them on canvas, that
way they no longer have to exist in
your mind.
What do you do besides paint?
I have always had a love for music
and poetry. When I’m not painting,
I’m usually writing or making music. I
love rap and hip-hop and I am work-
ing on a way to make both of those
art forms intersect.
Who are your idols? (Artists or other)
My number one idol is Stevie Won-
der. I think he is one of the most tal-
ented people the world will see for a
very long time. He has inspired me
in so many ways artistically and as a
person. I was raised on it his music.
When I learned to read I would read
the lyric booklets in his old records.
Every day I find a deeper meaning to
his words.
What is your own favorite piece
and why?
My favorite piece is a portrait of
Erykah Badu I named “Yeyo Warrior.”
It’s my favorite song by her and I
think it is one of my most captivating
pieces.
Where do you expect art will take
you?
I couldn’t even tell you. Every day I
am amazed at how my art has taken
me to places I could never imagine.
All I can do is create and wait on the
universe to return the love.
Have you ever collaborated?
I usually work solo. But I definitely
would love to do that very soon. I
have worked with other artists to
promote work individually but it
would be nice to build a strong
team of painters to represent the
new school.
If you could give any message/
Quote to the black community
what would it be?
Commit your life to the uplifting
of your people. Get involved in the
community and pour love and posi-
tivity into everything you do.
Photos and information:
www.jessijumanji.com
901.340.5550
Social Media:
/jessijumanjiart
@JessiJumanji
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