Janay Everett grew up in western Philadelphia. In Philly she was surrounded by the city’s personality and the many people, artists and histories that led her to start her own art class on her front porch at the age of four. For high school Janay was relocated by her mother from Philadelphia to the southern city of Atlanta. Though Atlanta proved to be a homecoming in later years at this time it was uncomfortable and moved’ “much slower.” Janay had been caught in a visual world and her exploration has led her to Los Angeles, California. On the way there she began her technical studies for animation at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. One week after moving to New York City she found herself alone in a hotel room dorm in the middle of the terrorist attacks of 911. Janay stayed in New York and was flooded by visual images and people. During her time there she was able to easily loose herself in the city. Her time allowed for personal introspection. While most of the world was fleeing New York she was able to wander, watch and realize that the city and world was much bigger than self. Though she completed her first year of school in New York she realized that she needed a new direction. She changed focus and schools. Though starting with an illustration emphasis at Atlanta College of Art, Janay soon discovered painting. In painting, she used her skills and knowledge of drawing and illustration to create a personal style. This style sets her apart and continues to mature with her. Her subjects are often strong females or musicians and she tends to focus on facial expressions and form of body. Her intricate color combinations help to bridge the subject matter and the medium to create luscious visions and stories. Strongly influenced by abstract expressionism, Janay is able to speak to the viewer in terms that are emotional and often pointed. While working Janay likes to focus on process… the paint, the color, the shapes. She lives each moment of the painting’s birth and only considers the finished product when prepared to stand back and consider the whole. It is a living document of her self expression. Not having any important influences growing up, Janay states she had to create her own interests. "I believe that's why I don’t need a specific theme or subject to my work, I'm all over the place. I work within the moment. I really don't mind what I paint, I just want to paint."