Jonathan Philip is a Saint Lucian photographer, songwriter and musician. He currently resides in New York City, having gained a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Technology at New York University. Throughout his life, Jonathan has always been interested and active in exploring creativity through all mediums available to him. The idea of creating something from scratch and/or taking raw materials to create something new has always kept him continuously challenged and in awe. When he was 8, Jonathan began writing poetry, which later evolved into songwriting. He had also started taking classical piano lessons with and was a member of a church Youth Choir. At around 13 or 14 he stopped taking piano lessons but picked up a guitar and taught himself how to play. He discovered FL Studio, a digital audio workstation, and began beat making at around 15. Jonathan was always surrounded by music. He always loved it, and when he figured out that he could create his own, it only accelerated his interest.
After Jonathan left his secondary school, St. Mary’s College in 2009, and Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in 2011, he worked at the Bank of Saint Lucia for 6 years before he left Saint Lucia to pursue his degree. During this time he was heavily into photography and registered the business name, J Philip Photography. He specializes in portraiture, editorial, fashion, weddings and events. He also worked as production photographer and video editor for Nexus Networks, a Caribbean lifestyle and entertainment network. Jonathan has been the official photographer for events like the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival (2014) , “Rise Up” (2017) (photos featured in Forbes magazine) and several events procured by the Saint Lucian event company “Exotic Events”, during his time in Saint Lucia. In New York he has also worked as a photographer for NYU departments such as Hashtag NYU, a social media – based platform aimed at keeping students and prospective students connected with what’s happening on and around campus, and the NYU Athletics department, focused on editorial-style media-day shoots for promotion of NYU varsity sports teams and athletes. He has also released two singles, “Sa Ka Fete” (2018) that he wrote and performed, and “Where We Were” (2020), written, performed, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered all from the comfort of his bedroom, waiting out quarantine during Saint Lucia’s lockdown in March- April.
Jonathan’s inspiration comes from his overall love for the arts, and his yearning to find a career that is centered around them. It also comes from having a strong support system; family and friends who always pushed him to express himself through every outlet he discovered. When he applied to NYU, he had no idea of what he actually wanted to pursue, just that he was ready to take his creativity to the next level. He wanted to continue his education but coming from a society that pressures many to become business persons, doctors or lawyers, a creative career doesn’t always seem like the wisest choice. He believes that this mindset should never be the case. When it comes to sustainability, the creative sector is one that has managed to persevere throughout the ages, finding its way into other schools of thought, broadening the capabilities and possibilities of innovation. It also serves as something that keeps the world grounded, connected, and inspired. Jonathan strives to create a space to combine his, and the talents of his creative peers in a way that contributes to the global market, but also one that inspires and serves as a resource to mould young Caribbean nationals who have similar interests.
