Conversations with Jamuna Priti

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamuna Priti

Hi Jamuna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began painting over 15 years ago, but it wasn’t until 2012 that I decided to truly dedicate myself to it. At the time, I was immersed in the study of my spiritual practice, which led me to explore deeper connections with my creativity. This journey profoundly shaped my approach to art, giving it a meaningful focus beyond technique.

As a second-generation Filipina muralist, born and raised in Long Beach, CA, I draw heavily from the rich traditions of Vedic art. My work is deeply influenced by the idea of merging the spiritual and the visual, creating a space where people from all walks of life can find common ground. My mission as an artist is to build bridges, to encourage a sense of unity and shared humanity through my murals. I’m driven by a belief that art has the unique ability to heal, challenge, provoke thought, and ultimately, offer hope to the soul. It’s this deep responsibility that fuels my passion and commitment to every piece I create.

In Vedic traditions, ‘Sankirtan’ refers to the practice of connecting with the divine by chanting the names of the sacred aloud. I have translated this into what I call ‘Visual Sankirtan’—an artistic approach where the act of seeing divine names becomes a form of communion. Through this visual dialogue, I aim to inspire a similar sense of connection, but through the eyes, where the viewer can engage with the divine through sight, just as they would through sound.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenge was trying to convey who I was through my art. Yes I love painting but it didn’t always necessarily mean that I like the finished product, or this is what I want to share. So after years of multiple paintings on a daily, trying so many different techniques, and never giving up, I finally have an aesthetic which I’m happy to share with the world.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a muralist with a passion for both creating art and sharing the process with the next generation. Alongside my own work, I also teach high school students how to scale their creative vision onto large walls, guiding them through the intricacies of mural-making. It’s rewarding to witness their growth and help them realize the impact of their art in public spaces.

My specialty is Vedic street art, an expression of my deep connection to spiritual traditions and contemporary urban aesthetics. What sets my work apart is my unique approach to combining ancient practices with modern techniques. I’ve developed a custom calligraphy font that I use to paint prayers and sacred text, which I often arrange within mandalas. This sacred geometry becomes a framework for spiritual reflection, inviting viewers into a meditative experience through visual storytelling.

Another signature of my work is the inclusion of 90s zine-style prints. This aesthetic, reminiscent of DIY culture and street art movements of the past, adds a layer of nostalgia and countercultural influence to my pieces. It’s a blend of sacred and subversive, a marriage of tradition and rebellion that speaks to diverse audiences.

In addition to my Vedic-inspired work, I also create art that honors my ancestral roots in the Philippines. This part of my practice is deeply personal, as it allows me to reconnect with the cultural symbols and stories of my heritage. I paint traditional markings, as well as representations of fruits, plants, and other elements native to the Philippines, especially in Filipino communities. These visual symbols are a way to ensure that these communities feel seen, heard, and connected to their cultural identity.

I call this series ‘Ancestral Markings,’ and it serves as both a tribute to my ancestors and a celebration of Filipino culture. Through this work, I aim to spark a sense of pride and recognition in the people who encounter it. It’s about giving voice to shared histories and fostering a deeper connection to our roots through the power of public art.

My goal is always to inspire both thought and feeling, to encourage a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. Whether it’s through my teaching or my personal projects, I strive to make art that challenges, heals, and resonates deeply.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I’m a self taught artist, everything is about “keep trying & make it happen” it’s ok if it doesn’t come out right the first, second, or third time. And once you take out what other people think, everything moves in your favor, you become present with it all and nothing else matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jamunapriti.com/
• Instagram: @jamunapriti
• Other: @visualsankirtan