“I believe that God has given me purpose and put a calling on my life to create so everything I do has His purpose for me painted on it. Literally.  So in order for me to create with purpose, all I have to do is pick up my tools and get to work.”

Jamel Robinson. A little back story so y’all know how cool he is. Our first convo was about his grill (the mouthpiece not a food grill). We were both chillin at the Soho House, started talking about grills, art and a bunch of other stuff. (Everyone always thinks I’m playing, but I really want one. I’ve been saying I am getting one for way too long… coming soon :D)

Back to why you’re reading this, Jamel! He is a seasoned poet turned artist with an awesome perspective on art and life in general. Born and raised in Harlem. He creates in Harlem, but he’s all around the city. Some of your favorite celebrities collect his art. Check out my q&a with him below!

What made you transition from poetry to art?

Jamel: I am a poet turned self-taught painter. After years of writing and performing, a friend asked me to paint a poem on a canvas and be a part of a group exhibition that he was curating. That’s what officially got me into painting back in November of 2011. A month later, after getting word that someone close to me had passed away, I went back to the art supply store I had gone to for supplies, came home and began a journey that I’ve been on every day since, finding and developing the “visual language” that I now use to express myself.

What influences your style?

Jamel: One of my favorite Basquiat quotes is “you’ve got to realize that influence is not influence. It’s simply someone’s idea going through my new mind.”

Being an artist can be really tough since everyone is a critic of your work and you’re pretty much at the mercy of public opinion. How do you stay confident and motivated?

Jamel: I think I’ve gotten as far as I have by being fearless. I try not to think about what anyone else is thinking about my work. Also, in order for me to show something publicly, it has to meet my approval and since I don’t put anyone’s opinion above my own, once I think it’s good, it’s good enough for everyone else. I was the same way when I used to write; you wouldn’t read or hear a poem unless it met my approval. Any thoughts to the contrary that come up, I acknowledge and dismiss.

How does faith play a role in your artistry?

Jamel: Because I’m fortunate enough to make a living off of my artwork, I constantly have to have faith that God will provide for me as long as I show up and do my part, which is simply to create and then show my work to the world however I can. God has always taken care of the rest. But even before that, when it’s just me and the canvas or a piece of paper or wood – or whatever I’m expressing myself on, I have to have faith that God is working through me and that I’ll make something that people can connect to in some way.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career and how did you overcome it?

Jamel: The biggest challenge for me is always not to give up, not to give in and not to let go. Not to give up on this dream I never had yet find myself living, not to give in to the fears that are constantly calling for attention and not to let go of everything I’ve built so far along this journey or what God has planned for me if I just stick with it.

How do you find time to keep God first on a daily basis?

Jamel: I start my day with prayer, reading the Bible, SOAPing, which is a style of writing on the Bible, meditating and making art. These are all exercises in gratitude. If I can be grateful, I can put God first and hopefully keep him first in all of my affairs.

Creating with purpose can also mean standing out, which is not always easy, especially for young people. Do you have any words of wisdom for your fellow young folk on not compromising their beliefs and staying true to God throughout their careers and life?

Jamel: I think that if you put God first, before your wants and the world’s desires, everything else will fall into place. You can’t think about what you’ll lose if you don’t conform to the world, you have to have faith in what you’ll gain from honoring God. When you feel pressure to bend in the opposite direction of your faith, break away into the arms of God and know that you’ll be carried and cared for.

What’s next for you?

Jamel: I’m currently developing a one act play and, as usual, thinking about where and when to have my next solo exhibitions (I have three that are just about ready to show), but there are a few other things you’ll just have to keep up with me on Instagram or get on my mailing list to get wind of.

Y’all heard him 🙂 Check him out on Instagram @jrcreativeink or follow his Tumblr to keep up with his work and how he’s creating with purpose. Looking forward to the one act play Jamel!

❤ Carin