Ja Nelle Pleasure

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Artist Statement

As an artist, I draw inspiration from my surroundings, allowing them to speak to my soul. This process enables me to create art that carries deep personal meaning, a reflection of my heart and vision. Sharing that vulnerability in today’s world can be both daunting and provocative, yet it drives me to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Through my work, I seek to infuse others with light, offering art that challenges perceptions and invites deeper thought. As an artist, mother, poet, and dancer, I aim to educate, empower, and encourage others to step beyond the boundaries we often impose on ourselves. I believe in the power of art to shape memories and bring visions to life, one story at a time.

Bio / Description

Ja Nelle Davenport-Pleasure served as the 2023 Poet Laureate for the Champaign-Urbana area. She is a passionate dancer and instructor, clothing and jewelry designer, community activist, artist, and poet. Her most cherished creations, however, are her children. With a career that has engaged audiences across the United States and internationally, Ja Nelle brings a vibrant and diverse energy to everything she does. Residing in Champaign with her family, she works as an IT specialist at the University of Illinois. When she’s not immersed in her various creative and professional pursuits, Ja Nelle enjoys the calming presence of the ocean, dancing, and savoring a good cup of coffee. Her life’s mission is guided by the verse from Luke 1:79: “To shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”