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

Jihada, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Last year in 2024, I almost stopped creating. I was in a tough space and didn’t see my way through, above, below, nor around it. I had to make a decision – do I create from authenticity or approval? I made the decision to create authentically from my soul. So, I started having conversations and turning those conversations into works of art. My work has started to resonate with people in a way I have always hoped it would, one person at a time.

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?

Artist Bio:
Visual Conversationalist, Jihada Brown, is a multidisciplinary, nationally exhibiting artist whose work explores self-expression, transformation, and the power of conversation. Best known for her unique interpretations of giraffes, she uses these figures as symbols of authenticity, presence, and individuality. Her creative process is deeply influenced by dialogue, spoken and unspoken, shaping each piece through the energy of interaction and the power of being present.

With a background in elementary art instruction, she works across various mediums, including collage, watercolor, and bold line work, selecting materials that best capture the emotion and essence of each subject and the moment. Her approach is intuitive and fluid, allowing her artwork to unfold organically, much like the conversations that inspire it.

Through her art, she invites viewers into a space of reflection – encouraging them to embrace their own identity without shrinking, without forcing, simply being.

Artist Statement:
Keith Haring once wrote, “Sometimes music is a ‘background’ for drawing, but sometimes it becomes an essential part of the creation of work.” This is how I feel about conversations when it comes to my giraffes. Sometimes they exist as a backdrop to my creative process, but other times, they shape the very essence of what I create. Each piece is influenced by the conversations I have, whether spoken or unspoken, just as each individual and each moment of dialogue is unique.

My work explores self-expression, transformation and the beauty of simply being. A giraffe has a longer neck than other animals, yet it does not seem to focus on this. It doesn’t seem to think about how far its head is above the others, nor how strange they may look taking a drink. The giraffe just is, and it is this I admire most. It does not shrink, nor does it strive to stand out, it simply exists. This is the energy I bring to my work. My giraffes are not bound by any rules – they reflect an inner expression of identity, presence, and authenticity. What I put on canvas or paper, is what I am given. I exist to receive. I serve as the middle point between the essence of a being, and the ability to see their own essence.

Different ideas require different artistic languages. Some expressions require collage, layered, textured, and complex, while others call for the fluidity of watercolor or the boldness of heavy acrylic and line work. The choice of medium, texture, and form is never random; it serves the emotion and story behind each piece.

At its core, my work invites viewers into a space of self-reflection. Just as my giraffes evolve through creative exploration, my art encourages others to embrace their own individuality without shrinking, without forcing, just being.

How sessions work:
When someone schedules time with me I fully immerse myself into the experience. I pay close attention to everything – the day, the clothes I wear, the clothes the interviewee wears, the weather, the energy of the moment. My mind stays fully present. As we converse, I sketch and paint, capturing not just what I see, but what I feel. I take careful notes on the environment and observe how the person interacts with me within their space. Throughout our time together, I intuitively decide on textures, materials, and artistic mediums, all guided by the flow of our conversation.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I would say what society can do to best support artists is to listen to us. Help us create spaces where we can show our work, and to pay us for our work. Share the art of creatives whose work you have, want, or love.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

In my one-on-one sessions, I get to see people’s eyes light up – this is so rewarding. I have the honor of showing people their essence in a creative way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jihada.co
• Instagram: jihada_creating