Meet Kalunda Janae | Visual Artist

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

Hi Kalunda, what inspires you?
I am inspired by nature and how it makes me feel. I am also inspired by color because it speaks to me; I see color first and then I get the idea on what to create. I connect so much with nature and color. Daily, I admire the beauty of the sunrises, sunsets, clouds, flowers, and the details of its beauty. Flowers are my favorite, the beauty of their makeup is captivating; so creating my own rendition of one gives me pure satisfaction. My work embodies my uniqueness and love for life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a visual artist who creates one of kind pieces for any area in the home, office or place of business. I create wearable and hangable art, personalized or customized. My artwork is nature oriented and full of color that convey something meaningful. I’m not much of a talker but what I create speaks more, a little of who I am is represented in my work. Every since I was a child, coloring has been my favorite pastime. Coloring gave me the spark to want to create something more with the use of color. I decided in 2017 to get serious about my artwork and formed KJANAE INC which I am most proud of. I started attending networking events, connecting with likeminded individuals, and positioning myself for success. I attended one event that would change the course of my art career in 2018—I saw a quote at the event that stayed with me which says, “Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.” By Alfred Adler. It was not always easy to think I could be successful at selling artwork or making that a business. There were times I didn’t sell my artwork, and there were times when I was let down by others. Yet still, I had to keep going. I had to get busy on who I am as an artist. Every month I was juggling my full time job and still being able to do live paintings, sell my work at different locations and fulfilling customers request for customized orders. I knew that by moving it would cause an activation— doors of opportunity started opening, I was receiving emails and phone calls to be apart of events. Great things happen when you move, even when you don’t feel like anything will happen; you have to trust that every step you make is all apart of the process in the makeup of a masterpiece. I learned to keep moving, no matter what. Through my artwork and through my journey as an artist I want to be able to not only display my artwork but to convey a message to the passerby and/or the potential client, a message that touches them in a way that would change the course of their life. And that my journey as an artist will encourage an aspiring artist to step out on faith and move.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Enjoy the colorful, eye catchy Wynwood Walls, and take a scroll down the streets to visit the different art galleries, try the food trucks during Saturday art walk. Enjoy a night at Red Rooster in overtown, the delicious comfort food, surrounded by art and great music. During the weekday we can attend Artechouse to have an immersive experience to see the beautiful combination of art and technology. Have a fun filled day at Xtreme Action Park. Get up on a Saturday morning and visit Coconut Grove Farmers Market to try some of the most delicious and healthiest drinks and foods, and shop all things wellness. Visit the beautiful art inspired Faena Hotel and have lunch Los Fuegos Restaurant to enjoy the beautiful outdoor ambiance. Dine at the chic and lovely outdoor setting at Y.O.L.O. Restaraunt. Enjoy some nature by visiting Butterfly World in coconut creek. One night during the week have dinner at the famous Prime 112. Have a spa day at Rock Spa & Salon, at The Hard Rock hotel. Plan a day at Clean Start Miami to enjoy a foot detox.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am thankful for my family who has supported me throughout my journey as an artist. And to every person, family, friend, co worker, fellow artists who has showed up to any of my art related events; I am very appreciative. I want to give a shout-out to all of those that sowed seeds in my life, gave encouragement, hired me for events and purchased any of my artwork.

Website: www.KJANAE.net

Instagram: @kalunda_janae

Facebook: KJANAE INC

Other: https://kalunda-hilton.pixels.com/