Meet Jamia A. Berry: Artist & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamia A. Berry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamia A., what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Looking back on my childhood, I always enjoyed drawing, painting, singing, truly any form of a creative outlet. As I got older, I formed more interest and hobbies, but the arts was always a consistent variable in my life. I decided to pursue an artistic/ creative career because art has always been an outlet for me to fully express myself. Being an artist is one thing that I am confident in and fully love about myself. In growing and learning through my art making (and finding inspiration from artists who have been influential in ‘molding my ideas and craft), I have found this realm of comfortability in expressing myself and speaking my truth in ways that I would not have prior. The world needs artists, creative minds, those who not only think inside the box, but outside said box and beyond.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my work, I love experimenting and bringing together bits and pieces to create this puzzle like narrative. Though I exclusively work in the medium of Photography, I enjoy incorporating my hobby of collaging, exerts I have written, song lyrics, appropriated images, etc. in my work. My most recent body of work focuses on ideas of memory, nostalgia, personal identity, and the black experience. Something that I am most proud of is how far I have come as an artist. Initially in college, I did not know exactly what I wanted to make my work about.Through self reflection, life experiences, and just giving myself the time to grow, I found what drives me to make art. In terms of my professional career, I have not reached my ‘end goal.’ To be quite truthful, it is only the beginning of this journey for me. I currently work at a boutique and when I am not at work I am trying to keep my creative drive strong and constantly stay on the hunt for opportunities to grow as an artist, young adult, and entrepreneur. My dream is to become an interior designer. I love the idea of coming into a space and completely transforming it through textures, furniture, paint colors, etc.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, I love this question! I am the type of person that loves sharing moments with the people I care about. But, I will take it a step further and give myself a single day in Atlanta. (I know that’s risky… we like taking risk ,though.) One day trips are some of the best memories I have made with my closest friends. So, to start off the day, we’d have sunrise breakfast at a Georgia classic, Waffle House. Blueberry waffles and hashbrowns are the way to go. We would then venture off and visit quaint, small towns and shop the local businesses. After we’ve done a little shopping and sight seeing, we would head to Atlanta to capture some beautiful moments on my camera and eat at some of the most amazing restaurants. To end a perfect day, we would take a trip to Suntrust Park to support our ATL Bravos as they bring home another well earned ‘W.’ On our drive home, we obviously have to stop and Krispy Creme and grab a dozen glazed donuts (it’d be a crime not to!). Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be where I am if it weren’t for my family, friends, and college professors and colleagues who continually support me in what ever endeavors I decide to take on. Having a good support system is not always talked about, but community is so important. I would personally like to shout out one of my friends and fellow creatives, Sofia Cunha for recommending me to be an interviewee for The Shoutout Series. She is such an amazing artist who puts her all into whatever she creates. I will always be appreciative and cherish the friendship we created during our time in college.

Website: https://jamiaberryart.wixsite.com/0080 & https://jberry76.wixsite.com/jamiaberry

Instagram: jamiaberry.art & _paperheartsphotography_

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jamia-berry-33b7a3131

Other: Email for contact jamiaberry.art@gmail.com