JY Originals: Bringing Black Joy, Bright Colors and Bold Shapes to Local Communities

Janel Young goes by her branded initials: JY Originals. She is a Pittsburgh native, worldly soul, painter, muralist, and community leader on a mission to inspire through creativity and play. Her work has been recognized locally and internationally, from New York City-where she resided for 6 years-to the coast of Sydney, Australia. Prior to pursuing art full-time, she was a student athlete, and went to study Business Marketing and International Studies at Penn State University on an academic scholarship. She relocated to NYC in 2013 to work in public relations as a Digital Content Strategist for healthcare, tech and non-profit industries for 5 years. A year after taking her leap to practice art full-time in NYC, her passions came full circle in 2019 as her love for visual arts brought her back to Beltzhoover (her childhood neighborhood) to install the city’s first art basketball court mural, cleverly coined: The Home Court Advantage Project, with her community’s assistance. She now serves as the Community Artist in Residence at UrbanKind Institute in Pittsburgh and she also takes on freelance murals and commissioned projects under JY Originals. She continues to use both Pittsburgh and New York networks for public art projects, youth workshops and speaking opportunities.

Tell us about the very first piece you created? When was it, and what was the inspiration?

Ha! I don’t remember the first piece I created; I was so young (around 3 or 4 years old). I have been creating ever since I could pick up a pencil or a brush. I’m sure the inspiration was just being present in my joy at the time, which is the purest form of inspiration and what I strive to get back to now.

Your projects have made such a significant impact on the Pittsburgh community, how much importance is placed on activism as a role in your artwork?

Black artists are also often unfairly burdened with the unspoken “responsibility” of representing activism in a way that looks like Black pain, suffering and speaking for “the people”. While I do create work in that capacity, I have to be very careful to shape my own idea of activism if it will be a priority in my practice. Rather than recreating dark environments for myself, I love to focus on: Black joy, bright colors, bold shapes, our own version of beauty, being who I am, and being present in my existence. This is a form of activism in itself.

What are your top two favorite projects you have worked on, and why?

1. Definitely the Home Court Advantage Project. It put me (back) on the map in Pittsburgh and opened a ton of doors after moving from NYC back home to PA.

2. My “Color Your Crown” natural hair coloring book. The joy it brings to people flatters me!! Besides it being my first illustrated book, it also led to beautiful collaborations with grassroots organizations and corporate companies. The validation of people truly receiving what you’ve created is unmatched.

What was it like coming back to Pittsburgh from New York City? What helped drive your decision to do so?

It was a culture shock, from the people to the art world. And it was difficult. It took me a while to find my footing as far as where I fit and how I could align where I was with what I was trying to do with my art.

If I’m being honest, obedience to God drove my decision. It was not something I was excited about (at first). I came back to Pittsburgh to install the city’s first art basketball court aka The Home Court Advantage Project, which I had been planning remotely from NYC for about 6 months. Shortly after the ribbon cutting wrapped up, I was offered a Community Artist in Residence position at UrbanKind Institute in Pittsburgh where I could utilize visual arts as a communication tool to connect people to equity and justice values and initiatives, so I stayed.

What’s a motto or quote you tend to live by?

“What does it look like to create from a place of joy? That’s the goal. And it’s rebellious.”

Close second: “I was born to do the damn thing.” - Kid Cudi

If you could share one piece of advice to aspiring artists what would it be?

Claim your name. You are ALREADY an artist. Drop the “aspiring.” KEEP GOING and keep learning and growing.

Tell us about your scholarship for creatives, what was the inspiration behind it, and who can apply?

One of my main focuses is always giving back and the amazing year that I had leading up to this moment afforded me the opportunity to help the next person. The City of Pittsburgh awarded me a proclamation for my community-centered effort to wrap the city in color with the Home Court Advantage Project, making October 23, 2019 “JANEL YOUNG DAY” in the City of Pittsburgh. To honor and celebrate, I announced the scholarship on the first anniversary.

As someone who is all too familiar with the game of applying to grants and finding funding for the arts (usually with too many strings attached), I wanted to give a young creative person the means to do whatever would help them excel. Literally $1,000 of free money to use however they want-for a project, to pay their rent, feed their family, rent a studio, pay for a class at school, WHATEVER. This round, the scholarship was for 16-21 year olds with a creative talent of any kind. It was geared toward youth who are interested in bettering their communities through their work. I hope to be able to make this an annual scholarship.

What does it feel like to have your work displayed internationally? Where is your favorite place work has been displayed?

It feels surreal. There is no other word for it. The most exotic place it has been physically displayed is in Sydney, Australia. My work has also gone viral in Brazil. It’s crazy to see your work have an impact that surpasses language barriers.

If I had to choose my favorite place my work has been displayed so far, it would be difficult because there is something so special about seeing your work right in your own backyard! But I would go with the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament in the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Not only was my “Be Open To…” artwork displayed in the front row, directly behind the players like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, etc., but it was broadcasted on international television and shared on platforms like ESPN and CBS in the morning.

What keeps you motivated and passionate about what you do?

I have the privilege of bringing color to the communities I live in and serve every day.

I want to create joyful experiences for myself and others, so seeing peoples faces -especially kids - when they experience my work is very fulfilling. Also the opportunities to create my own life, or as I say, “paint my own lane” keep me going. It’s motivating for me to set an example of how you can live your best life as a practicing, sustaining, WELL-FED artist.

What are some self care practices that get you through a particularly challenging project?

Incense, solo dance parties, red wine and sleep. Lots of sleep.

As it is Women’s History Month, who are some of your favorite women owned brands that we should know about?

@authentikfittraining - fitness (my trainer!)

@thebantucollection - handcrafted home decor from Africa

@cnkdaily - sneakers

@imanijahaanvintage - vintage clothing + accessories

@prayerandhustle - faith and motivation

@rjswimnyc - swimwear

@shaylahawkinsevents - event planning + design

@socorrarose - aroma and candles

@studio.hayes - photography + videography

@swishhdreams - basketball court renovation + screen printing

@tmmlife.co - tomboy chic lifestyle

What can we look forward to seeing from JY Originals in the future?

My latest commission is from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, so locals can find my artwork on 10,000 library cards.

Collaborations with other artists, more murals and more virtual coloring parties.

Also, I’m working on some cool projects through my residency program and can’t wait to see what comes out of it. You’ll have to keep up through Instagram and my newsletter!