We were lucky to catch up with Jaylin Monet’ Stewart recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaylin Monet’, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I am a self-taught artist. My skill is a natural, God-given talent, and I feel truly blessed with it. I come from a super creative family. I had some art classes in school throughout my life, but those would only be for about an hour or so. We know how that goes—the curriculum was kind of bland, and we just did basic things. Despite that, I excelled at every age and grade level. I consistently overachieved and was just naturally talented.

Knowing what I know now, what could have sped up the process for me is having resources to cultivate my development as an artist and leader. I needed those resources at every age and stage of my life because I had the potential. Being skilled and smart as a young Black girl intimidated many people, and instead of nurturing my talents, they often tried to put me in “my place”. Having those resources would have helped me more than anything.

I grew up in tough circumstances where being an artist was unheard of and unconsidered. If I had seen more examples of what I wanted to do, I would have believed early on that I could achieve this profession, be wealthy, successful, and iconic. While other professions, legal or illegal, provided financial success, I never saw or heard of an artist living a healthy, normal, and safe life while taking care of themselves and others.

Having more artistic mentors would have helped me significantly. If people in the artistic community nurtured my well-being, that would have been great. I spent much of my life battling mental health issues and trauma. I needed more spaces from individuals that could help guide me, and be transparent with me.

The most essential skill I have is being a hard worker. I am dedicated, consistent, and determined. Many individuals, especially those my age and younger, often lack work ethic and the drive to motivate themselves and others. It’s evident that I have skill and talent. However, without my strong work ethic, I wouldn’t have half the opportunities I have now, then or those that will be presented in the future.

My work ethic has taken me far. I am dedicated and believe in what I want to do. Once I knew I was capable, I embraced my incredible resilience and strength in grinding, hustling, and working for what I deserve. Some people rely solely on their talent and expect things to be given to them. I know I have talent, but I also know I have to work for it. I respect hard work and work ethic, so I don’t mind working hard to prove to myself and others that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.

Survival has always been a concern of mine, largely because it was a concern for my family. As a natural leader and caretaker, I wanted to help and not be part of the struggle I witnessed throughout my life. I always found ways to work to contribute and help us maintain. As a kid, my work was more creative, but as I got older and started working real jobs, it became less creative and more corporate, which diverted my focus from being an artist. That was definitely an obstacle that stood in my way.

These were many challenges I faced when I was younger. Once I got older and fully embraced my profession, art became my survival and my way of living. Now, my entire life revolves around creating and being an entrepreneur. I’m still helping people, but it’s art-related. I still face obstacles, but they are challenges that professional artists encounter, and I’m learning to navigate through them.

Jaylin Monet’, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a self-taught artist from West Louisville, Kentucky. I began my artistic journey by painting portraits of victims of violence, using art as a means of healing from trauma. This experience quickly showed me that I could be involved in the community, help others, and pursue my dream of becoming a full-time artist. Creating art gave me the confidence to take that leap, and I spent many years painting portraits and honing my craft.

Recognizing my leadership skills, I started teaching art classes and eventually founded my own non-profit, Adah School of Art. Through this organization, I’ve shared my story and taught many individuals across the country. Although I began as a painter, I’ve always wanted to work on a larger scale. This led me to create murals and engage in public art projects, expanding my work beyond honoring victims of violence to include community engagement.

As a muralist, I’ve traveled the country, met other artists, and participated in various catalysts and incubators, which have helped me develop both personally and professionally. I’ve experimented with different mediums and learned more about myself as an artist. My work ethic and kind-hearted nature have been key factors in my success, and I feel that I am still at the beginning of my career, having started in 2016. I’m soaring and pushing myself as far and high as I can go.

I provide a wide range of art-related services, from murals and community projects to commissioned pieces and design work. However, I believe my greatest strength lies in creating systems and structures that work for creators. I love bringing ideas to life, from the logistical planning to the final visual product, and creating immersive experiences for people to thrive and be creative.

What sets me apart is my mindset. I have a vision of creating iconic, monumental works that will outlive me and inspire future generations. I’m proud of how far I’ve come from humble beginnings, using only my talent to make people believe in my potential. I’ve created a culture of greatness and a platform for artists to be brave and courageous.

I want my clients, followers, and fans to know that I’m still working and striving for more. I aim to be financially stable and in a position where I no longer have to worry about basic survival. I aspire to be a mogul, a contemporary artist, and a fashion icon. I want my brand to represent everything from my artistic talent to my sense of fashion and the way I speak. When people hear my name, Jaylin Monet’ Stewart , I want them to think of a plethora of things that represent my achievements and potential.

I believe in the power of collaboration, both with organizations and individual artists. I look forward to working with more designers and creators, growing my brand, and making a significant impact. I want to be challenged, have fun, and help bring visions to life.

Short Artist Bio:

Jaylin Monet Stewart, a self-taught artist born and raised in West Louisville, Kentucky, stands as a prolific artist, visionary founder of a non-profit organization, inspiring educator, and revered community role model. Her diverse artistic portfolio includes painting, murals, mixed media, chalk, installation, and performance.
Recognized for her poignant portraits addressing victims of gun violence, Jaylin swiftly emerged as an activist and community leader. In 2017, she founded the Adah School of Art, a non-profit initiative providing a nurturing and creative space for youth and young adults through various art forms.
A trailblazer, Jaylin proudly holds the title of the inaugural recipient of the Artist Catalyst Program, a distinguished opportunity from the Mural Arts Institute (MAI) and the Public Art & Civic Engagement (PACE) Capacity Building Initiative. This program is designed to empower Black and Brown artists, both established and emerging, with a strong connection to Louisville and a history of community-based artistic work.
The PACE program led Jaylin Monet Stewart into her thriving career of public art across the United States. She now boasts a portfolio of nearly 30 murals and projects, engaging in different forms of muralism and public art. Leading a mural group called Monet Murals, they paint murals all over the country and in underserved neighborhoods, helping amplify the voices of Black and Brown marginalized individuals

Artist Statement:

My artistic practice spans diverse mediums, including painting, public art, mixed media, and installation. It critically explores the impacts of violence, systemic oppression, and racial injustice, aiming to initiate healing and communication about societal concerns through a powerful visual language.
Inspired by the struggles of my ancestors and the tapestry of life, I shed light on racial and status-based segregation. Monumental works like “GOD REST AMERICA” vividly illustrate socio-political fractures within communities.
I create sacred spaces for commemoration and grieving, raising awareness about ongoing challenges. Rooted in diverse survival strategies, my art explores the pivotal role of faith in shaping narratives.
Each creation invites viewers to formulate their own interpretations, fostering engagement in both physical interaction and contemplative observation. Large-scale murals exemplify my commitment to an interactive aspect, embodying a vision for a brighter future.
My art journey has led me to a pivotal point where I’m delving into the intricacies of being a Black woman in the United States. Diverse experiences throughout my life and career have steered me towards exploring the internal light within women. This exploration involves delving into more immersive art forms, emphasizing vibrant colors and dynamic light sources, whether through projection or light installations.
In this phase, I aspire to create connections that allow others to share in the beauty and pain I’ve experienced as an artist and as a Black woman who has navigated the complexities of trauma, joy, life, birth, and death. Through my work, I aim to convey a profound and emotive experience that resonates with the shared human condition while highlighting the unique perspectives and narratives of Black women.

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

I think something non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey as a creator is how hard it has been for me to be truly seen and heard. Many people assume my career and life have been easy because I present my work beautifully and carry myself with grace. However, behind that facade lies a relentless struggle to create meaningful art that advocates for others.

I’m not just battling trolls online; I’m up against systems and organizations that constantly try to control or shut down my work simply because they aren’t ready for or willing to accept new ideas. I started my career with little to no knowledge of the challenges I would face, and every step has been a fight for recognition and impact.

My hard work is often mistaken for mere favor and popularity in my hometown, but I stand firm on the principles behind every single piece I create. I am driven by morals, integrity, and a commitment to producing quality work. Despite the obstacles, I am dedicated to using my art to make a difference and to celebrate the victories that come from perseverance and passion.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my ecosystem, the best way to support artists is by providing them with paid opportunities and robust platforms for creative expression. Artists need not only venues to showcase their talents but also financial backing that affirms the value of their work. By ensuring artists are compensated for their contributions, we acknowledge their integral role in culture and society.

these platforms should be designed to support artists through all stages of their careers. This includes creating spaces where they can experiment, innovate, and sometimes fail without the fear of irreparable harm. Failure is a natural part of the creative process, and artists should have the freedom to take risks without being devastated by the consequences. Similarly, when artists achieve success, they should be supported in managing the pressures and complexities that come with it, preventing them from feeling overwhelmed.

Artists are often undervalued and seen merely as resources to be utilized when needed, which is incredibly draining. This undervaluation neglects the continuous effort and dedication that artists invest in their craft. Artists deserve not only opportunities to earn multi-million dollar contracts but also ongoing cultivation and support. This includes access to resources, mentorship, and networks that can help them grow sustainably throughout their careers.

In essence, to truly support artists, we must create an ecosystem that values their work, provides them with financial stability, and fosters an environment where they can thrive both creatively and professionally. This holistic approach ensures that artists are not just surviving but flourishing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jaylinmonetstewart.com
• Instagram: jaylinmonetstewart
• Facebook: Jaylin Stewart

Image Credits
Photographer: Tre’’Sean Durham