We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamuna Priti and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jamuna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic career because it’s how I feel the most comfortable and became an artist naturally.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
With my Love Note series, I did not expect it to be where it is at today. My initial idea was to paint during quarantine everyday for myself personally. Was it easy? It was up & down. With the changes during quarantine made it hard. But knowing I can connect with the people through my art made all the difference. Understanding we are not alone. Although I’ve been creating different types of art for many years now, a new chapter of my art career unfolded as we hit the pandemic. In my hometown of Long Beach, business owners started boarding up their windows in the early summer months, and I felt I needed to bring some love back into the community during these dark times. I used these boarded up windows as canvases to paint inspirational quotes in a last ditch effort to uplift the community. Every day all over the city I started painting what I came to call my latest series “Love Notes”, and a buzz started to travel through the town. Soon enough other artists started to follow suit, and I ended up being picked up by a couple of news stations, as well as received a sponsorship from the Arts Council of Long Beach to continue my work. Right now I have an art installation at the Panacea Holistic Center with just under 20 pieces & I have a permanent installation at the Long Beach Airport for the Pandemic Exhibit! I really had no idea how my art was going to hit, but I gave it my all, and am totally humbled by the outpouring of love I received in return from my community.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love my hometown, so I would show them all the dope art around the city. Eat at Ahimsa Vegan Cafe, the Hip Pea, Ice cream at Hug Life, maybe a cruise to LA to eat at Happy Family. I also love nature so I would take them on a hike in San Pedro that over looks the water.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Credit goes to my youngest son- he helped paint so many walls, my family, to everyone who has helped, guided, & supported me the whole way through. I see you.
Website: www.jamunapriti.com
Instagram: @jamunapriti
Facebook: Jamuna Priti
Yelp: Kleur