Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamar Lockhart.
Jamar, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From as far back as I can remember I’ve always been interested in art.
I was born and raised in Detroit, MI, and found my passion for art very early in life. I watched my uncle Derrick, grandmother Gloria and most importantly my father, Jerome all create masterful drawings. My dad had the greatest influence on me as an artist. I felt if I could impress him, I was good. As a kid, I loved to color in coloring books. I loved to take my time and color inside the lines, from there, my interest grew into creating my own characters and drawing superheroes and wrestlers throughout my primary school years.
Once I reached Communication and Media Arts high school, my interest in art would lie dormant during my time as a high schooler because there wasn’t an art class. During this time, I didn’t create at all. It wasn’t until I attended Oakland University, that I became interested in art again. In college, I decided to take art courses as many of my general education credits. I took painting, drawing, large scale, and even a nude figuring class. In my spare time, I started hand painting t-shirts and pants for students on campus to make extra money.
After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Communication, I started working as a long-term substitute at Detroit Enterprise Academy, teaching, you guessed it, art. I loved working with students. I taught K-8th grade and loved every minute of it. I poured into students the same interest that I received as a student from my teachers. I helped to grow some awesomely talented art students.
While teaching, I started customizing paintings for people. Using the skills, I learned from my college professors, I started to create works of art that were the abstract, realistic, and portrait style. This continued into today where I am proud to say that I have produced more than 200 pieces for customers, including family, friends, and people I’ve never met. I’ve participated in and sold pieces in 5 exhibits. My first exhibit was the Naked or Nude art exhibition at the North End Studio Gallery. I was also featured in the Big abstract exhibit and the Nina Simone exhibit both at Norwest Gallery in Detroit, MI, and most recently the Connected to All exhibit sponsored by the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club and DTE Energy at Beacon Park and The Cochran Firm Detroit’s Silent Auction Fundraiser.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. Even today, I’m still actively looking to find my voice and my niche in the art world. I love the fact that I am sought out as a commission artist, however, I’m looking to expand my skills and technique into something all my own.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a fine arts artist. I specialize in acrylic mediums and photo-realism portraits and abstract artwork.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice would be to know your worth and value your craft and skill. Establish “YOUR” voice!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.locksartdesigns.com
- Instagram: locks_art_designs
- Facebook: Lock’s Art Designs
