We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jay Stone a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My story ties in with my legacy and what I believe is my life’s purpose: an artist who helped changed the landscape of the Art world for Black Artists and usher in a New Black Arts movement. As someone with a platform I feel as though its my duty to serve and create opportunities for those who look like me, who may not have the support or push they need to continue to believe in themselves. Even if I don’t accomplish every goal I set forth I believe I will have planted the seed for the next young black boy or girl who wants to become an artist who changes the perception of black art and artists especially in Western culture.

Jay, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Whenever I’m asked to talk about myself I find that I have a difficult time navigating where to begin. I am a black man and that is something I have the utmost gratitude for. I so happen to be an artist and I’ve always loved creating things. Being able to take something from your mind and have it manifest into something tangible is such a fulfilling feeling. I always want to create and get that feeling at its highest level.

There was a time after I graduated college that I wanted to work for major editorial publications as a designer but I didn’t see the progress much less the path to that possibility. Also having done some freelance work for some companies I didn’t like the chains I felt placed on my creativity. There was only one alternative and that was to create my own publication which was an idea that was sparked by interning at NY Arts Magazine in 2012. A finals class project at grad school solidified it. I’ve been publishing my own magazines since in the form of the former The Experience Magazine and the present day The Ecstatic.

Initially I was just getting my feet wet and working with many NY artists. Self-actualization however is such a powerful thing. I always was proud of being black but overtime my realized my awareness and worth as a young black man living in America. I wanted more for black artists like myself and began changing course in terms of who I wanted to represent in my magazine. That was the turning point and one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. Being in control of my destiny and being able to create the conversations, platforms and opportunities have been very good to me. Through my work I’ve curated many art shows including ones at the Bronx and Queens Museums. I’ve spoken at NYU, Brooklyn Museum and Pace University. I was even invited to Miami Art Basel in 2017 where my magazine at the time was the first to sell out at the convention. I am just truly blessed to have had these moments in my life and I hope people see me and know that you literally can do anything you set your mind to.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

A particular goal or mission that is driving my creative journey is simply creating opportunities for other young black artists that will inspire them to see their worth, know they can achieve anything and build their own platforms. I keep that goal in mind in all my creative ideas and endeavors. Its the same desire and drive as someone who plays sports. A kid who grew up playing basketball in the playground, to a PAL league to high school, college and the pros…. its all for the love. Thats me and what motivates me in my creative journey. I’m passionate about what it is that I do and because its authentic, it connects. When people see me creating inclusive black arts spaces, they get it. I don’t do this for money or attention cause those things do not nourish your spirit. I am fulfilled by just seeing people who look like me, see themselves in a magazine.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think non-creatives would struggle to understand why it is I do what I do without being attached to the idea of substantial financial returns. I believe in 2 things: sometimes you just need to feed whatever it is thats your passion and maximize your potential as a human. We’ve been put on this earth with purposes and to live that to the fullest. Our lives are not just supposed to simply just be working, paying bills, taking 2 week vacations, recycle and repeat. Take up a hobby, learn a skill or even a trade, travel and meet other kindred spirits. Maybe I’m hyper focused on leaving my mark on this earth but shouldn’t that be the the most important thing?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thesunofman.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stoneimmaculate/
• Other: http://theecstaticmag.com/

Image Credits
Rod Porter Jonathan Alonso