Art & Life with Terell James

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terell James.

Terell, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve always looked at myself as “Just a kid from South Phoenix.”.

I spent most of my life not really knowing what I wanted to be. Not knowing my purpose. Not feeling like I was good at anything or talented/gifted.

I tried subscribing to a narrative that didn’t create for myself. It hurt that I couldn’t live up to the standards of others.

I almost gave up on myself but..I refused to.

Within the last 2-3 years I’ve grown so much and learned a lot and created my own definition of success. Also, within the last year and some change, I have taken steps towards my goals and aspirations. I’ve put in the work, and it shows. Photography has taken me on a great journey so far, and I know it will open more doors and have much more in store for me as I travel on my path.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a self-taught photographer and photo editor. I mainly do portrait photography, but I am slowly but steadily getting into other types of photography such as landscape and architecture photography.

I began my photography journey back in January of 2018. Photography had always been an interest of mine so in 2018 I finally decided to give it a shot. I would say that it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made so far. I love photography.

The purpose of my art is to shine a light on my people. It is about the empowerment of my people. It is my way of showing how much I love them and just how beautiful and exceptional I know that we are.

What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
I believe that the role of the artist is simply to create what they feel.

The different events that I encounter in the world affect me in a creative way especially when it is something that I can personally connect to or relate to.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be mainly viewed on my Instagram page “@starsoverkemet.”

I don’t have a website as of yet, but that is something I am working on for the future.

Contact Info:

• Email: terelldjames@gmail.com
• Instagram: @starsoverkemet

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