Jamaican Girl by AVA PALMER
“My name is Ava Palmer and I am a Jamaican-Canadian visual artist, former interaction designer, and founder of MYAL — an illustrated luxury brand rooted in art, culture, intention, and legacy.”
Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was born into it.
My father Windsor Ellington is an award-winning Jamaican artist. Watching him build a life through creativity taught me early that art is more than something you make — it is something you live; with discipline, devotion and purpose.
My godfather, Alexander Cooper, another celebrated Jamaican artist, further shaped my love for the arts. Through his work, his stories, and his deep reverence for Jamaica, I came to understand that art has the power to preserve memory; honour place; and express culture, beauty, identity, and belonging.
My own journey began in earnest during high school when I was accepted into an exclusive visual arts programme with only 10 places. That experience taught me to take my gift seriously and instilled the value of technical skill, observation, and visual discipline. I later earned a degree in graphic design and built a career as an interaction designer, creating thoughtful visual experiences for digital platforms.
For years, my work lived on paper, walls and screens. I created portraits, illustrations, and visual narratives inspired by colour, texture, beauty, and culture. Yet one question kept returning to me: What if art could be worn?
That question became the foundation of MYAL.
Ava Palmer, Jamaican-Canadian visual artist and founder of MYAL.
Higgler This painting is one of my personal favourites because it honours the working women who are such a vital part of Jamaican life and culture. I wanted to capture strength, pride, movement, and the beauty found in everyday labour. (Photo Courtesy of Ava Palmer)
Lace Dress This piece is about joy, femininity, and ease. The white lace reminded me of Christmastime in Jamaica, when my family would whitewash the trees on our property for the holiday season. That tradition of painting tree trunks, sidewalks, and fences white with limestone created such a crisp, clean feeling almost like the whole place was being dressed for celebration. I wanted to capture that same sense of beauty, brightness, and nostalgia in this piece, along with the kind of joy that feels alive, unguarded, and fully present.(Photo Courtesy of Ava Palmer)
Bob Marley This piece is my tribute to one of Jamaica’s most powerful cultural figures. Through colour, movement, and expressive line work I wanted to reflect not only the likeness, but the spirit, rhythm, and legacy associated with his impact.(Photo Courtesy of Ava Palmer)
Mama & Child This piece is deeply connected to the everyday strength and tenderness I see in Caribbean and African women. I wanted to honour the quiet beauty of motherhood, resilience, and the way love is carried through generations.(Photo Courtesy of Ava Palmer)
The Crochet Girl This painting reflects my interest in texture, fashion, and adornment. Crochet has always felt familiar to me because it is such a strong part of Jamaican culture, and I grew up seeing family members create with their hands in that way. This piece connects that memory to my larger journey as an artist moving toward wearable work, where fabric, pattern, and illustration begin to speak the same language. (Photo Courtesy of Ava Palmer)
Dancehall Queen Dancehall has always been more than music to me; it is movement, confidence, style, and identity. This piece captures the attitude and visual energy that continues to influence my use of colour, fashion, and storytelling.(Photo Courtesy of Ava Palmer)
