Holding Space: Jhalin Knowles
-JHALIN KNOWLES
“We deserve to see ourselves portrayed with honesty, dignity, tenderness, and joy.”
— JHALIN KNOWLES
-JHALIN KNOWLES
WHAT IS YOUR WHY? WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?
What drives me to create is witnessing Black stories being told with honesty, depth, and intention. I have love for my community, and I believe there is power in showcasing our beauty, resilience, vulnerability, and strength. Through my work, I strive to honor the richness of the Black experience.
HOW HAS YOUR BACKGROUND OR CULTURAL HERITAGE SHAPED THE WAY YOU SEE AND CREATE ART?
Family is at the heart of everything I create. The people I love are often woven into my work because they are the foundation of who I am. I was raised in an environment with so much love, and I believe that it's reflected in every image I make.
WHAT ROLE DOES VULNERABILITY PLAY IN YOUR WORK?
Stepping in front of a camera is an intimate thing. It asks people to be seen in their truest form, showing every imperfection and every part of themselves that goes unnoticed or hidden. As an artist, I believe it's my responsibility to honor that vulnerability with care. I try to make everyone I work with feel safe, comfortable, and seen.
ARE THERE ANY ROUTINES, RITUALS, OR HABITS THAT HELP GROUND YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE?
Rather than relying on a specific routine, I look to God for wisdom. I just kind of trust that each story unfolds as it is meant to.
-JHALIN KNOWLES
WHAT DOES DISCIPLINE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU WHEN INSPIRATION DISAPPEARS?
Honestly, I need more discipline in my life. I think I find inspiration in the presence of my family and in nature—both remind me to slow down and appreciate what's around me.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE HAD TO UNLEARN IN ORDER TO GROW CREATIVELY?
One of the best lessons in my creative journey has been learning to embrace community. I have had to unlearn the instinct to navigate this industry alone and instead recognize the value of seeking guidance and building relationships with fellow artists. I'm still learning this now.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A PIECE IS TRULY FINISHED?
know a photograph is truly finished when I have an emotional reaction to the image. Once I color grade and make final touches, I should be able to pause and have a reaction. If I feel nothing, then there is nothing.
-JHALIN KNOWLES
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CURRENT CHAPTER OF YOUR CREATIVE LIFE, AND HOW IS IT REFLECTED IN THE THEMES OR EMOTIONS EMERGING IN YOUR WORK?
I believe I am currently in a season of deep learning and growth within my creative journey. I am continuously exploring new techniques, expanding my skill set, and discovering new ways to express my artistic vision. Life is moving really fast right now. I'm taking this chapter day by day, honestly. I think I'll title this chapter “We'll See What Happens” lol. I'm just allowing life to happen and learning along the way.
IN AN ERA OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND CONSTANT VISIBILITY, HOW DO YOU STAY TRUE TO YOUR CREATIVE VISION WHILE ENGAGING AN AUDIENCE?
To be honest, it's really hard to remain true to my own creative vision. In a world where social media has become such a vital part of building a career, it can be difficult to separate creating meaningful work from creating what feels marketable. So much of my work comes from social media. All I can do is pray for guidance.
WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE OF YOUR PRACTICE, AND WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO EXPLORE NEXT?
What excites me most about the future is the opportunity to collaborate with more people and continue building meaningful creative relationships. I look forward to discovering where my voice fits within the industry and growing into a practice that feels both authentic and impactful.
-JHALIN KNOWLES
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE EMERGING ARTISTS ABOUT ADVOCATING FOR FAIR COMPENSATION AND PROTECTING THE VALUE OF THEIR WORK?
I would encourage emerging artists to recognize the value of their work and to ensure that the people seeking their talent recognize it as well. Early in my career, I often accepted compensation that didn't reflect the time, care, and creativity I was bringing to each project. There is nothing wrong with starting at a humble rate as you build your experience, but it's equally important to advocate for yourself and understand that your work has worth.
If an opportunity doesn't feel equitable, don't be afraid to have the conversation or negotiate for what you believe your work deserves. I'm still learning how to navigate that balance myself, but one lesson I've embraced is that not every opportunity is the right one. Protecting your value is just as important as pursuing your passion.
WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR WORK HAS ON THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE IT?
At the end of the day, I hope my work makes people feel seen. More than anything, I hope it resonates with the Black community, a community I love deeply and am honored to represent through my art. My hope is that every image serves as both a reflection and a celebration of who we are. We deserve to see ourselves portrayed with honesty, dignity, tenderness, and joy, and I want my work to contribute to that legacy.
