We were lucky to catch up with JAY McKAY recently and have shared our conversation below.

JAY, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My latest body of work “Fun in Flood” is a tribute to my city (New Orleans) and everyone who experienced hardship during Hurricane Katrina. Katrina took place August 23-31th 2005.

I was 15 when Hurricane Katrina changed my life forever. We left home with intentions to return thinking it was just a storm, instead I was forced out of my existing reality and introduced to experiences that made me level up. My only outlet was my art, this was all I had to keep my mind off the troubles of the storm, and the displacement of my family and friends.

This body of work is personal, we all know the trauma that occurred during the storms and the flood, but we made the best of it. Creating “concrete beaches” to pretend that this horrifying event had just enough positivity in it to embrace something normal.

In New Orleans we celebrate in the midst of disasters and other life changing experiences, this is why I have chosen such a bright color palette… to embrace the smiles and show that the sky is still beautiful.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was a student at a range of New Orleans Public Schools where I discovered my love for art. I enrolled in art classes and also attended New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). In addition to being involved with NOCCA, I participated in different art activities and programs within the New Orleans Parish School system.
I was introduced into the culture of the historical Mardi Gras Indians at a very early age. At the age of 3 my grandfather handcrafted my first suit leading me until my adulthood were I still follow the same tradition. I now handcraft my own suit. My talent and creativeness within the art field assisted me with becoming a tattoo artist. When I started tattooing at the age of 15 it took my art to another level. From there I began to put more focus into painting on canvas.

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What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The freedom to express myself, being able to share my perspective and visions exactly the way I want.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Connect them with opportunities to showcase their talent, support financially when you can by purchasing the artwork if it connects with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.art-by-jay.com/
• Instagram: @artby_jay
• Email:  jaymckayinfo@gmail.com

Image Credits
Eugene Barry ( @flexfocusphotography)