Artist Statement
Creative works that feature emotionally rich facial expressions, intentional body language, and monochromatic tones with saturated pops of color. A style inspired by realism, animation, and impressionism.
My artwork is rooted in learning to cope with themes of anxiety, over-thinking, and developing self love. The message of my works revolve around growing self appreciation for different layers of what make us human while trying to find moments of calm in the overwhelming noise life can create in stressful moments.
Illustrating art that weaves realism, symbolism, and emotional depth into tangible examples of what healing can look like, how hard it can be, and the benefits of it. I naturally explore my own healing journey as a black woman breaking generational cycles, and confronting toxic emotional habits.
I have been told, “Your art looks like how a hug feels.” This seems to be what the world needs right now
Artist Bio
Morgan J. Kersey studied fine arts and illustration in her last 3 years of high school, and graduated in 2018 with a scholarship to University of the Arts in Philadelphia. From there she studied fine arts further, digital art, and 2D animation, earning her B.A in art, with a minor in creative writing.
After graduating in 2022 she learned she would need to go through hip joint surgeries with a 6 month recovery in between each. Jireh Kay Art Shop is an online illustration platform encouraging storytelling. It was created in 2023 to give herself a platform to look forward to creating again once her road to recovery was done. After she healed from her last surgery at the end of 2024 she could finally pursue her art career further.
In high school Ms. Kersey gained experience in illustrating children’s book and doing art commissions. She has illustrated 6 books including her own titled “Little Moments” about characters based off of herself and her father, published in May 2021.
In 2018 her story received an award for 2nd ‘Best Children’s Book’ in South Jersey. She plans to re-illustrate the artwork and republish the story.
Morgan is currently in the process of animating her 2D short film “Why Can’t I Touch the Moon?”, coming 2026-27, and the animatic of the short was an honorable mention in the Afro Animation Summit 2024. She is also in the midst of illustrating an “Artist’s Guide” for beginners in art to help with not only their development as artists, but also to give mental health tips and life advice artists should hear when embarking on going further into the creative field professionally as an independent artist with their own project aspirations.
I have been told, “Your art looks like how a hug feels,” seems to be what the world needs right now.