All photography provided by Madeline Gray.

About the Artist

Jamil burton 

Jamil Burton is a visual artist and illustration painter, born 1975 in Newark, New Jersey, and currently resides in Kinston, North Carolina. He lives his life between the states of New Jersey and North Carolina. From an early age, art has had a special place in Jamil’s heart. His grandmother was a major artistic influence and ignited his passion for creativity. At the age of 10, he started structured art classes at local Newark visual and performing art schools. Jamil received formal education in fine art and illustration from Savannah College of Art & Design, St. Paul’s College and Katherine Gibbs School.

Jamil’s art can be described as a combination of traditional and contemporary realism. Inspired by family, community, life, and love, he creates imagery full of boldness and vibrant colors that captures 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 is a visual storyteller, who uses a fusion of oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, or charcoal to create masterpieces on canvas, wood and metal.

Jamil specializes in a variety of commissions, including, but not limited to, apparel, book covers, children’s books, murals, and portraits. He works with authors, corporations, galleries, organizations, and schools. His recent clientele includes City of Goldsboro, City of Kinston, Mother Earth Brewery, Williford Elementary School, Mount Vernon High School, The United Way and The Boys’ Club of Kinston. He has illustrated numerous children's books, recently, Norah's Lollipop by Dr. Kimberly Rowland, Time to Comb your Hair by Tanisha Singleton, Hannah's World in collaboration with Tara S. Lewis and Oli the Octopus written by Kenneth Hamilton. Jamil has had numerous solo and group exhibitions. His upcoming projects include Norah’s Sleepover by Dr. Kimberly Rowland, a new series Love Is, and a coffee table book.

Exhibitions