I was thrilled to step into Max Jamali‘s studio in North York, Toronto. Personally, I had been following Jamali’s work since 2014 when I first discovered him as a fashion photographer. I then continued enjoying his creativity on Instagram when he transitioned his focus to art. Jamali’s overwhelming aura of cool charm, coupled with an opulent art style (incorporating materials like diamond dust, python skin and even actual diamonds) was beautifully complemented by the kind welcome he extended to us that day, filled with warmth and humility. Not only did he offer us coffee, a drink and water several times, but he also insisted we indulge in chocolate he had in the studio. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about the authenticity, hospitality and kindness of this globally celebrated luxury artist and socialite.

As we were sitting down, Jamali announced: “I actually want to start a podcast. Just to sit down and talk about art, design and make fun of the world – it has become a comedy.” I instantly liked him even more.

Seven years ago, Jamali made a hard transition from photography to art, driven by a desire to create something lasting. “I loved photography but I didn’t like the fact that it didn’t last,” he reflected. “Art is appreciated for a longer period of time, it lasts longer in people’s lives. It’s also a wonderful excuse to host an exclusive event, which I love doing.” I can see how his past photography style influences his art today, with a focus on vibrant colours and striking contrasts that are defining features of his brand as an artist.

Transitioning from photography to art was daunting and it took Jamali nearly a year to sell his first piece. Even so, he believed in his next endeavour so much that he still took the leap, dropping all of his photography clients and contracts. “Financially, it was very challenging, but I needed that pressure to build a direction with my brand,” he explained. Despite the obstacles, Jamali embraced the pressure, viewing it as a catalyst for growth rather than a hindrance.

When asked what inspires him artistically, he cited a variety of sources from Andy Warhol to the vibrant campaigns that catch his eye. But what really excites Jamali, is experimentation with mixed mediums. “I love using different materials. My sculptures are combinations of layers and colours; for example: exotic skin, 24 carat gold or silver. For my next show, I’m experimenting with different layering I’ve never used before. Seeing that combination of materials working so well together bringing a harmony to design is so fulfilling. And I do not use those interesting materials for the sake of luxury, rather the patterns that they offer. The eyelids on the Madonna pieces are made of python, you can touch it and feel that pattern. It brings something out in the design that I can’t really create with anything else.”

Indeed, Jamali’s art is a testament to his love for experimentation, now creating sculptures featuring unique combinations of exotic and luxurious materials.

Looking ahead, Jamali has exciting and innovative plans for the future. “The last 8 ft. sculpture I finished in 2023, which debuted at Art Basel in Miami, had 5 carats of diamonds on it. That was a whole new experiment for me that is now going to roll out into a new collection with diamonds. Every single piece comes with a jewelry certification. You’re buying a sculpture, but also jewelry.”

He divulges more about his love for sculptural art, which appears to be his latest exciting medium of choice: “As much as I love doing art for the walls, the sculptures are something else. When you install them and see the colourful shadows on the floor, it’s amazing. The energy is so interesting with the transparency of the sculptures too. I’m trying to expand this type of design into very large pieces of artwork, and get up to 10-15 ft. per piece.”

Carrying on with his sculpture creations, in May this year, Jamali will be celebrating the launch of his collaboration with Playboy Mexico. “I have a friend Gilda, who is an incredible artist from Mexico. She is incredibly influential in the Mexican art market and has also worked a lot as an artist with Playboy Mexico. She reached out to me and asked if I would work with them. At that point, I had been working on the concepts around the butterfly-wing sculptures. So I thought I could create the bunny using the same concept.” As mentioned earlier, Jamali loves events, and as such will be hosting launch parties debuting the Playboy collaboration in Mexico, Toronto, Miami, Las Vegas and Dubai.

Concluding our chat, I asked Jamali if there was only one message readers could take away from this interview, what would it be?

For aspiring artists, Jamali’s advice is simple yet profound: “Create your own path.” He emphasizes the importance of personal branding and understanding the business end of art. “The importance of personal branding is everything in today’s world,” he says. “Especially if your name is becoming the brand, which is often the case with artists.”

And for everyone else?

“Take chances on design!  Have fun with it. You’re living in that space every single day, you have to control that energy that is around you. People are so scared to take chances with art.”

As our conversation came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Jamali’s passion and ethos with creativity. I cannot wait to see what diamond-encrusted masterpiece comes next from this outstanding artist.