Meet Zakiya Jones | Lenabella Art

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

Hi Zakiya, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Practice makes perfect is the worst piece of advice I’ve ever gotten. Perfection is unachievable and I honestly believe that in reaching for it we rob ourselves of joy. Practice makes progress is what I believe in.

Is my art perfect? No. What even is perfect? Has my art made progress, absolutely. Wanting progress instead of perfection allows me to slow down, compare earlier pieces with recent ones, and revel in the excitement of growth rather than getting bogged down by overthinking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art currently focuses pretty heavily on black women, people of color, and the LGBTQIA+ community that I’m a part of. However, this is something that only started around 7 years ago. My art previous to that, especially in grade school, only featured white women. It took a long time for me to realize just how problematic that was for my mental health. The person who helped plant the seed of that realization was my teacher, Mr. Torrence in 9th grade. He looked at my art and loved it but asked me why I wasn’t visible in my art. I didn’t take it seriously when he first said it but it sat with me for over a decade. When I started taking my art more seriously I was forced to ask myself why I still wasn’t visible in my creations and what that meant about how I saw myself. The other side was that I wanted my art to be what I wanted to see in the world.

My art grew into using fantasy, sexuality, and a range of emotions to express myself. That journey was not easy. Growing up I was always told not to wear my heart on my sleeve and stop showing so much expression on my face. I was told to blend in and some of my role models made me feel small if I didn’t. Of course, I never did and I feel like that comes through in my art.

In a world where women, especially black women, are held to constantly changing and oppositing standards, I needed my art to simply not care. I want to show that nudity and sexuality aren’t the same thing and neither should be vilified. All emotions deserve to be acknowledged, not just the ones that make people comfortable. I wanted to show the beauty in feeling.

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.
If you’re visiting Cleveland, the first stop has to be the Cleveland Museum of Art. The collection is stunningly beautiful, and their commitment to inclusivity is evident in the range of newer artists they feature. The expansive building allows for a leisurely all-day exploration or a shorter visit of just an hour or two.

After the art immersion, the next destination depends on your vibe! For a casual exploration, Coventry Village and Larchmere Boulevard in Cleveland Heights are perfect choices. Both areas boast a plethora of amazing restaurants, offering diverse options in terms of price, cuisine, and meal types. My Coventry favorites include Cilantro Taqueria and Tommy’s. Over in Larchmere, Hola Tacos and Batuqui, The Flavor of Brazil, are top picks, with Busy Boss Bakery offering delightful desserts. Trust me; you’ll thank me if you try any of these places!

Oh, and don’t forget to check out the cool shops, local bookstores, and art galleries in those spots! They’ve got some fantastic finds waiting for you!

As the day transitions into night, Cleveland’s intimate concert venues like the Grog Shop, Beachland Ballroom, and the Winchester come alive. These venues host a variety of fantastic bands and musicians, providing the perfect way to cap off a memorable day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Answer- I’d like to extend a heartfelt shoutout to Justin Michael Will and my dear friend Sophy of SunCottageCrafts. Justin, with his kind soul, has been a beacon in the local artist community, fostering an environment of inclusivity that made me feel welcomed and affirmed. His support has made me believe there’s always room at the table for artists like myself.

As for Sophy, she’s not only my best friend but also an extraordinary artist and creator. Her constant encouragement, filled with genuine kindness and honesty, has been an uplifting force in my artistic journey. They are both instrumental in the narrative of my success, and I owe a solid portion of my achievements to their support.

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