Background
Jama Watts was born on June 20, 1975 in Paducah, Kentucky. Raised in Eminence, Kentucky, Jama was introduced to art as most kids, in elementary school. "Getting to go to the art room in elementary school was always something special for me. I loved getting my hands dirty with clay, painting and drawing. But, since my dad was an engineer and I was good at math, I always thought I'd be an architect."
Jama took mostly construction, drafting and other classes in middle and high school in order to prepare herself for admission to the College of Architecture at the University of Kentucky. However, during the summer of 1992, Jama attended the Governor's Scholars Program at Centre College. She then began to focus on Drama and the Arts after that. After a meeting with the Dean of Architecture at the University of Kentucky, she found that she needed to take an art class in high school. With her love of art rekindled, Jama decided to study art in college.
While in college, Jama was fortunate enough to have two professors who really cared for their students. Linda Cundiff and Tommy Clark really worked with their students to nurture their artistic growth. While at Campbellsville University, Jama was introduced to feminist art and the work of Judy Chicago. "I was fortunate enough to see The Dinner Party while it was being shown at the Armand Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. Seeing that exhibit really changed my life."
"I hope you enjoy my work. I've always loved color and texture more than anything. The Impressionists and Expressionists influenced the colors that I use in my art, especially Edgar Degas. In my more recent works, you may notice an influence of feminist and other contemporary artists like Judy Chicago, Jackson Pollack and Mark Rothko."
Jama currently resides in Lebanon, Kentucky where she works part-time at the Marion County Public Library and also designs websites for customers in and around Central Kentucky. Jama is a proud mother to Amber, a budding artist in her own right.
Please feel free to contact Jama via email. Jama accepts commissioned pieces and will work with you to create your desired piece. She can also mat and/or frame any piece you see displayed on the site.
Professional Affiliations: