Jamil’s art can be described as a combination of traditional and contemporary realism. Inspired by family, community, life, and love, he creates imagery full of boldness and vibrant colors that captures the spirit of culture and the multitude of the black experience. Reminded by the plight of the black community, he uses his art to evoke optimism, emotion, and thought. Jamil is a visual storyteller, who uses a fusion of oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, or charcoal to create masterpieces on canvas, wood and metal.
Jamil specializes in a variety of commissions, including, but not limited to, apparel, book covers, children’s books, murals, and portraits. He works with authors, corporations, galleries, organizations, and schools. His recent clientele includes City of Goldsboro, City of Kinston, Mother Earth Brewery, Williford Elementary School, Mount Vernon High School, The United Way and The Boys’ Club of Kinston. He has illustrated numerous children's books, recently, Norah's Lollipop by Dr. Kimberly Rowland, Time to Comb your Hair by Tanisha Singleton, Hannah's World in collaboration with Tara S. Lewis and Oli the Octopus written by Kenneth Hamilton. Jamil has had numerous solo and group exhibitions. His upcoming projects include Norah’s Sleepover by Dr. Kimberly Rowland, a new series Love Is, and a coffee table book.
Artist Statement
"My art is a collection of stories, a celebration of humanity. I share the black experience that is vivid in color and bold with its truth! Art is love and I depict those feelings and emotions through paintings and illustrations via various mediums. I create because I am passionate about the human experience and freedom of expression. My hope is to provide inspiration and provoke thought and emotion through my art. Art is love and it’s a shared experience, one that I am willing to collaborate with the viewer. " ~ Jamil Burton
