Meet Kenah Jonel | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenah Jonel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenah, how do you think about risk?
I don’t really consider anything a “risk.” I see everything as an opportunity to learn something, grow as a creative, and move closer towards where I want to be in life. I think part of the journey includes making mistakes and going through hard things, but those are necessary evils to your highest potential.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being an artist is a daily practice. Lately I’ve been trying to be a real practitioner of feeling, being present, and honoring the energy around me. I personally feel as though an artists real job is to know themselves, and then translate that to create a better world. It’s difficult to pinpoint how I got here or to even call this a “brand” because at the end of the day, my art is just a reflection of me. Being an artist is a lifelong journey and I’m doing my best to honor that process. My goal as an artist is to serve wonder and create a world that reflects the world I want to live in. I’ve definitely faced a lot of hardship in my personal life that has evolved my artistry and the way that I want to show up. I’m grateful for every hurdle that has presented itself to me, because it’s given me an opportunity to evolve.

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?
If it were up to me, I would probably take them to a few of my favorite book stores – Printed Matter, Three Lives and Company, Aeon Bookstore, and Mast Books. After some book shopping, I would probably go to Domino or WNYC Transmitter Park to read. I also love going to Chinatown to go incense and crystal shopping – maybe even go get a tarot reading for fun. If we were going to go shopping I’d probably take them to Retail Pharmacy, Cafe Forgot, Big Ash, and Seven Wonders Vintage. I love living in Brooklyn because there are always unique events or shows to go to. I don’t frequent a lot of the same places, but I love finding a good DJ show or concert to go to on the weekends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I personally feel thankful to every person who’s played a part in my life – good or bad. I’m grateful for every book I’ve read, every conversation I’ve had, and every place I’ve visited. It’s hard to really pick out particular facets of life as being more important than the other because I believe every interaction shapes who we are. However, there are people in my life who have uplifted me and my work in ways that I am beyond grateful for. A few of those people include my friend Courtney, who has been a mentor and friend to me for years. My parents who have undoubtedly supported my journey in every way they can. My partner, Carter, for giving me everything on earth to support my dreams. My brother Tanton, for always believing in me.

Website: kenahjonel.com

Instagram: bunnybionicle

Image Credits
The photo of me on the rock is by @brookeashleybarone on instagram!