BIO
A Work of Jamilah Adebesin Mason
Creative. Artistic. Motivator. These are just a few words that describe the artistic and passionate work of Jamilah Adebesin Mason. Artistic creativity is an extension of the human soul. The soul of Jamilah is defined by how she practices her art and expresses her thoughts. She was born on the South Side of Chicago to foreign born parents, Mukaila Adebesin of Nigeria, Africa and Wendy Mathurin Adebesin of Guyana, South America. Her love of art was apparent at a young age and was expressed through drawings of Disney characters and fashion illustrations. Her passion for the arts was encouraged through her father's love for journalism and her mother's love for interior design. “Since I was a child I wondered, "What is my purpose in life?" Even as an adult, I still ponder the same question, but I'm closer to the answer. Art has played a big role in my life and I love to create,” she says.
Jamilah received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She later went on to complete a Master of Fine Arts degree in Digital Imaging and Independent Film from Governors State University in Illinois. Upon graduating, Jamilah started teaching at the high school level in Country Club Hills, Illinois. Her passion as a teacher shines through to all who enter her classroom. She is dedicated, professional and unique in her approach to teaching and creating. She is described by former students as their motivator, nurturer and a creative genius.
Mason's recent body of work includes photographic journal entries. Her self-portraits facilitate personal expression related to issues of racism, sexism, self sabotage, and personal fulfillment. Mason is currently a high school fine arts teacher and enjoys educating youth on the importance of the arts. “My very being plays a significant role in my art practices and how I choose to express my inner thoughts,” says Jamilah. While being influenced by several conceptual and contemporary artists, as well as various events that have occurred in my life, she is pursuing a better comprehension of life through the use of photography and digital imaging. Creating artwork is much like a journal entry. According to Jamilah, “although I do enjoy filling blank pages with meaningful words, recording the day’s events and notions of the mind, I choose to retell my thoughts through the method of photography.”
She is currently creating pieces based on a foundation of self-awareness and an array of internal thoughts, thoughts that pertain to negative projections from others, interpretations of language, personal perseverance, racism, interracial relationships, social conduct and behaviors. She views her personal photographs as journal entries that impel and/or compel her to further develop her character and question her existence as both a black woman, a mother, a wife, and a human being.
Jamilah launched her website, www.AWorkOfJam.com a few years ago and has worked with music clients such as Syleena Johnson, small business owners, entrepreneurs and church organizations. She is currently developing a new body of work based on the idea of human connection. This will be photo book released in 2019. Her other business ventures include graphic design, website development, independent filmmaking and mentorship.