Today we’d like to introduce you to Bukola Jaji.
Hi Bukola, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My Dad’s family immigrated to Ghana from Nigeria where he was born and raised. He came to the US by way of New York. My Mom came the US from Nigeria as a young adult and met my Dad in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early 80s. They decided to start their family in Tulsa where I and my five sisters were born and raised. I am the fourth child of six daughters. I can remember as early as 3 years old enjoying drawing and scribbling. My teachers in elementary school recognized my talent and encouraged me to enter in art competitions. My parents also were very encouraging and bought me art supplies and allowed me to express myself creatively as long as I preformed well in school. Through high school and college I continued to develop drawing and painting that I felt represented my inner self, while simultaneously focusing on STEM. It was not until 2012 when I discovered art was the thing that was keeping me grounded. And through the waves of challenges and triumphs I always came back to drawing and painting. It was then I decided to share my art in hopes of inspiring others to overcome the hurdles and obstacles, and that in that transition there is enlightenment.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A question I get often is how do you have time to create? I believe it is a perceived challenge. However, for me creating art has alway been a form of recovery and introspection from my external experiences. It is not a question of time but identifying what is the unconscious experience I am allowing to flow through me. However, lately the demand to create art has grown, so time management is really important for someone like me who juggles a lot of hats!
I did have one experience when I was younger and new to applying to art gallery shows. My painting had been accepted into a gallery art call. On drop off day the curator was very excited to have my art in the show, but the gallery assistant refused to take my entry fee. Then after touring the showroom she approached me and said I did not pay my fee and was not allowed in the show. It was a very strange interaction, and I remember feeling confused and really bad after when I left the space. I knew even as a young person I deserved to be treated better, and that was not an environment I would want my artwork be in. When I walked out of the building there was a seed planted in me that there were greater opportunities beyond this instance as long as I did not let that moment stop me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One thing that may come more naturally to me is finding inspiration. It could be a song I play on repeat, a flower blooming in the concrete, or a conversation I have with a person. I pray and meditate a lot, even since I was little. I believe connecting myself to a higher power has allowed me to view the world and my experiences differently, and painting or drawing is one way I express this. I really enjoy doing portraits of people with oil on canvas. It allows me to connect with others and help them express their uniqueness. I also love painting flowers in watercolors and the symbolism of new life and beauty they exude. I have been incorporating more afrocentric elements in my artwork as I discover more about my West African cultural history. The thing that brings me the most joy is when someone is inspired by my art to express a better version of themselves. My favorite bible verse is Matthew 5:16, which I came across one evening flipping through my Bible randomly when I was young: Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. I create art with this in mind.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I have many joys in life but it is really the little things that impact me the most! I have made so many wonderful memories in Dallas, and I have met people from all walks of life! The individuals I have come across that create the culture in this city inspires me to continue to build connection and be ambitious!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jajiart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jajiart/
