Featured Artist - Jess Jones
For our first featured artist interview, Jess Jones tells us how she went from high school sketchbooks to gallery walls with brave perseverance and joyful discovery. In layers of texture and moments of courage, Jess continues to explore new ways of expressing her creativity.
Q - Tell us a little about your creative journey - how did you end up where you are today?
Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I did it all through high school and then did a foundation course. I was always tinkering in some form. A few years ago I joined some night classes and really felt my confidence grow and enjoyed being around like-minded people. The weekly chance to create really drove something in me. Two years ago I stumbled across the Ruepheu Art Awards and I felt like it was far enough away that I could be brave enough to enter something. I drove over for the opening night which was my first experience at an exhibition opening and to my utter joy and surprise I got an email to say that my piece had sold. Since then I have joined SAS (Stratford Art Society) and been in a few exhibitions at Percy Thomson. I've also displayed pieces at the Gover St Gallery and in a few other local places. I'm still genuinely surprised when one of my paintings sells. The fact that someone wants to spend their hard earned money on something that I have created, the fact they want to see it over and over again in their home or workspace, it's a feeling like no other.
Q - Do you tend to plan your pieces meticulously or let them unfold naturally? Explain.
My pieces are definitely not planned. I have no imagery in my mind so I tend to be inspired by nature and scrolling work from other artists. I'll see a new style or a new way of painting and I want to give it a try. My work is abstract with lots of layers, the painting forms itself as I go, many times wishing I could go back a step. I think understand when a painting is finished is a skill of its own.
Q - What fascinates you right now, and how is that showing up in your art?
At the moment I love experimenting with different mediums crackle paste and moulding paste are my go to right now and although I try to mix it up I still find myself coming back to it. The way the texture leads the paint and ink. It kind of takes out it out of my control and I get to follow its progress, diverting it here and there to create something.
Q - What are you working towards in your artistic practice right now? Any wild dreams on the horizon?
I guess I go through phases when painting isn't flowing for me but I still need an outlet. I have taken to Jewellery making lately which has led me down a new path. I'm keen to explore incorporating my paintings and nature in wearable form. But I always come back to paint on a canvas. As for wild dreams, it's on my list to have my work space as part of the Arts trail here in Taranaki at some point in the future.
Q - What’s your top tip for someone just starting out on their creative path?
My top tip for someone starting out is don't be put off by anything. Just keep doing what you love and be brave enough to put your stuff out there. Art is so subjective that there will always be someone else out there who gets your vibe. And surround yourself with like minded people and inspiration.
Q - Is there a quote or phrase that’s stuck with you through your creative journey?
"Do all things with Love"
Yes sometimes you have to put in the hard yards and do the grind to create something. But when you do it with love the true beauty shines.
Jess's wall art and wearable art is available to purchase through Percy's Place shop. Here is a selection of her pieces: