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To look at a painting by Jay C. Bakari is to enter into a dialogue between the artist and his culture. And what he is saying about African-American culture and history is that it is vital, diverse and rich in beauty and imagery.

Born in Pittsburgh, Jay began his formal art education in high school at Forbes Road Vocational East. From there he attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Ivy School of Art, and finally transferred from Ivy to The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He ran out of money before he completed his degree, however, and was forced to continue the development of his skills while supporting himself with a day job and utilizing the resources of local libraries.

Though his original drawings and paintings are unavailable for sale, the high-quality color and black-and-white prints he offers allow him to make his work accessible to the general public at prices anyone can afford.

Working in oil paints, charcoal and pencil, pen and ink or watercolor, Jay pulls his visual themes from a variety of sources.

Jay's work has also represented companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Prudential Insurance and Union National Bank. Jay's prints grace the walls of business and residences throughout the United States and abroad in England, Ghana, Nigeria and Canada. Some of Jay's collectors include personalities such as: Dr. Betty Shabazz, Dr. Maulana Karenga (the founder of Kwanzaa), Spike Lee and actress Tyne Daly.

Always demanding more of himself, Jay says his best works are yet to come. Considering his present body of work, the prospect of watching the continued growth of such a talent can only be viewed with great anticipation.