Welcome to S. Ja art gallery

S. Ja is a visual artist based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, known for her striking portraits that blend realism with elements of fantasy. Working in charcoal, graphite, acrylic paint, and digital media, she uses her art to explore emotion, identity, and the depth of the human experience. Her portraits often captivate viewers through expressive eyes that draw you in and tell untold stories.

Art found S. Ja when she was just nine years old. Taught the basics of portraiture by her father, it was her grandmother who truly ignited her creative flame. One ordinary day, her cousin handed her a jumbo Disney puzzle of Bambi, a poster board, and some colored pencils. What began as a way to pass time became a defining moment—her grandmother was so moved by the finished drawing that she had it framed, marking the beginning of S. Ja’s lifelong journey as an artist.

Since taking her art more seriously in 2018, S. Ja has showcased her work in numerous exhibitions including the Music, Fashion, Arts Festival, Chattanooga Week, the James Baldwin Festival, and the Pancake & Booze Art Show. In 2024, she was appointed Art Director for the Music, Fashion, and Art Non-Profit Foundation, where she continues to advocate for creativity and community.

Beyond the studio, S. Ja wears many hats. With a background in leasing and property management, and currently serving as a school bus driver, she brings a grounded and multidimensional perspective to her practice. She’s also painted murals for local businesses and regularly leads art workshops focused on mental wellness—using creativity as a powerful tool for healing and self-expression.

For S. Ja, art is more than a career—it’s a form of therapy, a conversation, and a calling. Her mission is to inspire others to embrace their own creative voice and explore the transformative power of art.