We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jay Gittens 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. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

.

I’ve been fortunate enough to make a living through my art. My journey began on the streets of Soho in New York City, where I sold my work to people from all corners of the world. It was a melting pot of cultures and perspectives, and through these interactions, I met individuals who opened doors to new opportunities.

One of the key milestones in my career was showcasing my artwork at Christie’s auction house. This experience introduced my work to a global audience and elevated the price point at which it was sold. It was a transformative moment, one that shifted the trajectory of my career.

Looking back, we often believe we could have made better choices, but that hindsight is part of the process. Developing both as an artist and as a person takes time. The level at which I paint today is far beyond where I was when I first started, and I’ve grown in ways I never anticipated.

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 born on the island of Grenada on January 11, 1989. My given name is Jay Hoyt Michael Gittens, but most people know me as “The Love Child.” I am my mother’s only child. Growing up, my childhood was filled with adventure—whether it was going to the river, eating mangoes, riding my grandmother’s donkey, flying kites, or helping my family plant crops in the garden.

My creative journey began with photography. In high school, at Samuel J. Tilden, I started taking photos for the school and capturing images of things that sparked my interest. It was my art teacher, Mr. Cook, who first encouraged me to enter a Forbes photography contest. I submitted a photo I had taken of a friend skateboarding and won second place. This was one of the first major accomplishments in my creative journey.

Photography remained a passion for me. A high school friend later told me about an art program at Cooper Union that took place on weekends. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend because I was committed to church at the time. However, I would often accompany my friend when he sold his art in SoHo, taking pictures of him and other street artists we met. One of those artists was TMNK (The Me Nobody Knows). He was much older than us and, at the time, was having a major show on the Bowery. We were invited, and after the show, we ended up at his home in New Jersey, where his studio was located. TMNK allowed us to work in his studio and often gave us life advice.

While my friend Sidi worked on his art, I would take photos of him. One day, TMNK introduced me to a website where I could create my own photography book. This project became another significant milestone in my creative journey. Eventually, I became TMNK’s studio assistant, helping with various tasks, including creating backgrounds for his paintings.

In 2011, I attended my first Art Basel in Miami. The event opened my eyes to the vast interest people had in art and its importance in culture. When I returned to New Jersey, I began painting, creating works on paper and collage art. One of my earliest exhibitions was with the Dorian Gray Gallery in the East Village, where I sold my first painting.

What sets me apart as an artist is my authenticity—there is no one else like me. Being true to yourself, no matter what others think, is a powerful force. I am proud of using my art to inspire others to follow their dreams and of my involvement with the Gabrielle Angel Foundation, where we raise funds to support cancer research.

If there’s one message I want to share, it’s that with God, anything is possible—with hard work and determination, dreams can become reality.

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

For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the ability to bring imagination to life and experience how others connect with it. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing your work can inspire others and spark new ideas. Seeing your own vision take shape is its own reward, as it allows you to contribute something unique to the world and leave a lasting impact. The process of creating and knowing it may live on beyond you brings a profound sense of fulfillment.

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

I believe society could offer more support for creative individuals by highlighting creativity as a viable and successful career path. We should ensure that students understand that being creative can lead to success and provide them with opportunities to contribute to decision-making processes across various sectors such as government, business, education, and the environment. By including creative voices in these arenas and fostering community engagement, we can enrich both the creative field and the broader society.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thelovechildart.com
• Instagram: thereal_lovechild