WHO IS HAKIM?
Hakim is my identity, my soul, my true essence of who I am. My real name is Jonathan Amerson many do not know that. Not to get too personal, but my name Hakim came out of many spiritual connections and many walks of life that connected me to that frequency. Hakim is the artist, the visionary, the dreamer.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE ART WAS YOUR CALLING?
I realized at a very young age that I was connected with art. My father had me centered around art throughout my childhood, whether that be having black art around the house or taking me to art museums when I can to visit. I was always that kid who was drawing on his school desk. I probably started drawing when I was 3 years old, and I didn’t get into painting until 2017.
YOUR ARTWORK IS DIFFERENT AND DISTINCTIVE. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ART IF YOU HAD TO?
If I could describe my artwork I’d probably call it chaotic control, I like to emphasize on a crazy environment while staying patient in the midst of it all. I aim to emphasize Africanisms within my art and Afrocentric perspectives, but also touching that connection with African American culture. It's my style I’m still growing into, but I’d say that it’s some type of folk art.
YOU'RE ONE OF PETERS STREET STAFF MEMBERS, HOW MUST THAT BE TO WORK IN SUCH A CREATIVE SCENE?
Being apart of Peters Street Station is a big accomplishment for me at such a young age. Being able to create with others that have the same mentality and passion is a great environment to be in. I look forward to what Peters Street Station will grow into over the years, and what we will do for the community.
WHAT DROVE YOU TO BECOME A TATTOO ARTIST?
I’ve always been fascinated with tattoo art as a kid. When I was in elementary and middle school I used to charge the other kids to draw their future tattoo design or if they wanted me to draw it on them I’d probably charge $5 for a sleeve or something, and I would only use a sharpie or any marker I could find. It got to a point when I used to buy plastic gloves just to draw, so I’d say that my vision caught up to me in time. I was 16 when I asked my mom if I could be a tattoo artist, and with no hesitation, she didn’t go for it. So years go on and my opportunity presented itself and I took on that vision I had many years ago.
HOW WOULD FUTURE CLIENTS REACH OUT TO YOU?
I’m a very direct individual and I want my future clients to feel like I’m their close friend or brother. Clients will always be able to reach me always, so they’ll definitely have my personal number. Either that, or take a visit to the station!
WHAT'S NEXT FOR HAKIM?
I have a couple plans up my sleeve. My future plans involve publishing literacy, investing into some real estate, and lastly continue to push my future enterprise BDBP (Big Dreams Big Plans). As of right now, it’s in the beginning stages, but as a team we strive to turn this movement into something that will give back to the community.
