From 6 p.m. through 8 p.m. on October 26, the smART Gallery at 210 North Queen Street in Kinston will feature Jamil Burton and his work at an “Artist Talk and Exhibition Opening.” The event is free to all who wish to attend.

Jamil, born in 1975 in Newark, New Jersey, is an American artist and illustration painter. He lived much of his life in New Jersey and North Carolina. He attended Northern Nash Senior High School, graduating in June of 1993. Jamil had formal fine art and illustration training at the Savannah College of Art & Design, St. Paul’s College, and Katherine Gibbs School. 

He has completed numerous commissions professionally with various companies, galleries, organizations, and schools. A few schools he had worked with include Williford Elementary School and Mount Vernon High School. He has also completed commission work for The United Way, the City of Goldsboro, the City of Kinston, and Mother Earth Brewing. 

Jamil has illustrated several children’s books. Most recently, he provided illustrations for “Hannah’s World: Hannah’s Palace Adventure,” working in collaboration with Tara S. Lewis. One reviewer said: “What a beautiful illustration of the imagination of a child! Great job! I can’t wait to see where Hannah goes next!”

He also illustrated “Oli the Octopus” by Kenneth Hamilton, a children’s book about an octopus learning to read. Other children’s books he has illustrated include “Norah’s Lollipop” by Dr. Kimberly Rowland and “Time to Comb Your Hair” by Tanisha Singleton.

Jamil says his community and the love of life and family inspire him. He strives to paint images of love and happiness. By painting a picture of his community and society, the good and bad, Jamil hopes to provoke thoughts, feelings, and emotions. He says his painting offers a window into his soul.

Art has had a special place in Jamil’s heart from an early age. His grandmother was a significant artistic influence and ignited his passion for creativity. At age 10, he started structured art classes at local Newark visual and performing art schools. Jamil’s art is a combination of traditional and contemporary realism.

Inspired by family, community, life, and love, he creates imagery full of boldness and vibrant colors that capture the spirit of culture and the multitude of the black experience. Reminded by the plight of the black community, he uses his art to evoke optimism, emotion, and thought. Jamil has had numerous solo and group exhibitions. 

He uses a fusion of oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, or charcoal to create masterpieces on canvas, wood, and metal.

“My art is a collection of stories, a celebration of humanity,” he said in his artist statement. “I share the black experience that is vivid in color and bold with its truth! Art is love, and I depict those feelings and emotions through paintings and illustrations via various mediums.

“I create because I am passionate about the human experience and freedom of expression. My hope is to provide inspiration and provoke thought and emotion through my art. Art is love, and it’s a shared experience, one that I am willing to collaborate with the viewer.”

Put Thursday, October 26, on your calendar and plan to visit the smART Gallery from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. that evening. I am sure Jamil’s passion will be an inspiration for you.

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.