Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Jellicorse
Hi Jessie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello there! I’m Jessie Jellicorse, an abstract painter based in the beautiful town of Cary, North Carolina.
Having grown up in North Carolina, I have a deep love for the abundant and diverse landscape that surrounds me. From the breathtaking coastline to the enchanting hills and misty forests of the western part of the state, and all the expansive farmland and tree canopies in between, I feel incredibly blessed to be immersed in so much natural beauty.
Before fully embracing the world of fine art painting, I spent a decade working as a graphic designer. Painting initially served as a therapeutic escape for me, but it quickly blossomed into a passion that I wanted to share with others. Balancing the demands of raising my three children, I discovered solace and inspiration in stealing precious moments to paint amidst the daily chores and responsibilities of running our household.
For me, painting is not just a privilege; it’s a deep-rooted compulsion. It’s my personal sanctuary, a way to escape the noise and chaos of the world and find serenity within. With the humble tools of pigment and paintbrush, I strive to create a sense of calm and stillness in my artwork. My ultimate hope is that when you gaze upon my paintings, you too can experience a moment of pause, finding a precious gift of tranquility in a world that often feels overwhelming.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of becoming a painter has been quite the adventure, filled with unexpected challenges and incredible growth. Because of the years that I worked as a graphic designer, my creative muscles were accustomed to striving to meet the demands of clients and create something that fit their specific needs. When I began to embrace working as a fine artist, I had to learn how to shift my perspective and evaluate my work based on its authenticity and personal resonance. It may sound simple, but the retraining of my creative mind has proved to be a profound and complex undertaking in my artistic evolution.
On top of my creative pursuits, the majority of my time and energy is dedicated to raising and caring for my family. This means that I don’t always (or rather, I never) have the luxury of long, uninterrupted days to focus solely on my art. Instead, I’ve learned to embrace the slow and steady growth that comes with balancing my creative calling and my vision for motherhood and family life.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had unwavering support from early patrons who believed in my work. Their belief in me served as a spark, igniting my passion and propelling me forward. As time has passed and my art has slowly gained more exposure, I’ve been humbled and grateful to see a growing interest in my work. More collectors are embracing and acquiring my pieces, which is a truly heartwarming and humbling experience.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In the past year and a half, my focus has been on capturing landscapes in a unique and ethereal way. Through the delicate layering of thin pigment, I aim to create dreamy abstract landscapes that go beyond simply transcribing an image onto canvas. Instead, my intention is to evoke the feeling of memory and familiarity in the viewer.
The locations I depict are often inspired by regional places that I have photographed or captured in my sketchbook. However, in the process of moving from inspiration to the final piece, these landscapes transform into something more expansive than a specific location. They become almost archetypal renderings that anyone, regardless of their familiarity with the region, can feel a vague connection to.
My artistic process has involved working with thinned-out acrylics on raw canvas, as well as exploring the more traditional approach of using oil on stretched canvas. Currently, my work primarily incorporates the latter technique, allowing me to delve deeper into the rich and expressive qualities of oil paint.
By experimenting with different mediums and techniques, I strive to create artwork that not only captures the essence of a place but also invites the viewer to experience a sense of wonder and personal connection. It is my hope that through my paintings, the viewer can embark on a journey of exploration and introspection, where memories and emotions intertwine.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned on my journey is to not let my ego and fear of judgment hold me back from being brave. As an artist, being brave means pushing past the doubts and insecurities that arise when comparing my work to others. It means continuing to share my work, even when I question the quality or significance in the grand scheme of things.
Being brave also means persisting in my pursuit of painting, even when it would be tempting to retreat to the comfort and validation I experienced as a designer. It’s about trusting that what I’m doing has meaning and that creating something beautiful can have a transformative impact in a world that often prioritizes self-preservation. And that embracing vulnerability and sincerity, even if the end result is just a painting, and even if the audience is small, is, in itself, a revolutionary act.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JessieJellicorse.com
- Instagram: @jessie.jellicorse.art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jessie-Jellicorse-Art/100090186360477/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
