Jamal Durant was born on Monday, 13th October 1997, at the Mackenzie Linden Hospital to Tony and Bala Durant. Jamal is the only child and grew up in Kara Kara – a small community within the mining town of Region Ten (Upper Demerara – Berbice), which housed over twenty-nine thousand, two hundred ninety-eight (29,298) people. He attended the Kara Kara Primary School before being transferred to the Watooka Primary school then moved to the New SilverCity Secondary School.
Like any other teenager, Jamal’s childhood was filled with life long lessons which were able to shape him into the man he is today. However, after completing his secondary education, Jamal was offered an internship at Republic Bank, where he refused the offer, given that he was not quite sure what he wanted to do or become. He then attended the University of Guyana and is currently in his final year studying Business Management which has helped him manage his art. After his friends and family saw his beautiful pieces, they encouraged him to take up drawing as a job, which he hopes to pursue full time.
Jamal Durant practicing his craft
Passion for Drawing
Jamal has been drawing for most of his life, for leisure or to pass the time. He had learned from his grandmother, who was skilled at drawing. His first drawing was a swan, but at the time drawing was just a hobby. After countless compliments from his friends and family, especially his mother, whom he described as his inspiration, his passion for drawing was developed. Durant is more of a traditional artist who makes use of pens to create his magnificent pieces of artworks.
I see the beauty in the small things rather than video games or sports. I am the type of person who can see every detail in your skin, the type that will compliment you for the unique patterns in your eyes.
He currently has his eyes on becoming one of the greatest artists in Guyana while at the same time managing a solid financial foundation to show young artists you can actually make a living from art. He aspires to allow his art to pay his bills one day.
We do not have financial support. There is no one to set us on the right track. The right track means how we can make money. How can I live off of this? They are art schools, but after you have graduated from these art schools, that is it. You have to go out there and vend for yourself, and as an Entrepreneur, I am used to that, but at the same time there was no foundation that was already set or no guidelines to show me as an artist how to make a career and make a financial profit from this.
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- A Muslim Woman – Drawing by Jamal Duranty – Drawing by Jamal Durant
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- A Little Boy – Drawing by Jamal Durant
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- Jamal Durant’s Self Portrait
One of Jamal’s recent drawings was inspired by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease that is currently wreaking havoc worldwide. Durant’s art, like any other artform, serves as a form of enlightenment for others during this pandemic.
The piece shows tears flowing from my eyes, me crying out for a better tomorrow while I am locked away in my home. It shows my pain for the people and our country. This virus is affecting everyone regardless of their creed, race, or social class. Since this pandemic is not something you can see or touch, I tried to display the outside as a dangerous place. Hence, the historic Stabroek Market, which is usually crowded on a daily basis, is now empty. The caution tapes urge persons to stay away; the barbwires and cones indicate danger. Grass has now taken over the area since it has been a while since anyone has visited there.
Self Portrait Raising Awareness on Covid-19 – Art by Jamal Durant
Entrepreneurship
In an effort to make his drawing support him financially, this young creative mind will be launching his business with the creation of a Youtube channel. He aims to get sponsorship to enable himself to grow as an artist and individual.
After building my YouTube channel, I will start classing and doing tutorials and putting myself out there more, showing young people who love art to follow it and not scared of not eating tomorrow because I have set certain guidelines and foundation for them.
And just in case you’re a bit conflicted, here’s Jamal’s advice to upcoming artists:
It is okay for people to follow their dreams; it is okay to be what you want to be and not be a normal statistic with ones and twos we can be more than that. We can do what we love and make a difference.
Contact Information for Jamal Durant
- Telephone: 592-665 – 8049
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook Page: Jamal Durant
- Instagram Page: art_jamal.durant
Jamal hopes to have a social media campaign launched where he will be able to better market himself and make a living off of drawings. His aim is to pave the way for upcoming artists so that they can do what they love. This will enable artists to focus on drawing and not sacrificing their true calling just to work a minimum wage job to pay the bills. If you are thinking about getting a portrait drawing done, you can check out Jamal for a most exquisite art piece.
