We recently connected with Jessica Archer and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica , appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Some of the most meaningful projects have come from the most negative situations. Since I was a little girl I knew I always wanted to make some difference in the world-to help others who may not be in a position to help themselves (person or animal) to bring a bit of positive into a too often negative world; but being an artist I did not know how to do this, I wasn’t a doctor, or someone considered essential- I could just draw. Enter COVID 19. Having recovered from my own bout of depression I saw how the pandemic was affecting so many and just looking for a way to brighten up people’s spirits. Project Free Drawing was created. For two months I did free commissions for anyone who requested their favourite pop culture icon, superhero or athlete. It was an amazing project to get people involved in as they got to select who I was to draw next, and to make their day was a great reason to continue projects like this in the future. Moving forward to 2022, yet another crises…not only is the pandemic still ongoing, but now a war. I felt very sad, unsettled mostly at what I was witnessing on the news. These events have reminded me of my own family-my grandparents and their children fleeing their country. I couldn’t just go back and continue promoting shows, or any art events I had going at that time. Thus began my most meaningful ongoing project-Project Kindness. Project Kindness is now a continual project that brings awareness to different causes locally and internationally and donates sales of works sold to charities. New artworks are created monthly with awareness and sold specifically for this project. Promoting kindness small and big on all my platforms, its something that is personal to me and hope I can inspire others to spread kindness in a world so needed. These projects helped me understand that even though we are in the arts-everyone can give back, everyone can make a difference in their own way.
“I believe-as fellow human beings it is our duty and obligation to help those who may need our help. To extend a hand to any creature or person who may not be able to help themselves. To show empathy and compassion which the world so greatly needs more of. Kindness doesn’t take much-it can be holding the door open for someone, giving a compliment, or asking how someone is doing. It can be donations, it can be many things. Project Kindness was created to help all causes, and in turn hopes to inspire others to spread some positivity in a world where it is so needed.” -Jess Archer
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
My name is Jessica Archer, I am a Canadian artist focusing on portraiture. My drawings are a convergence of the things I love and the process of learning my craft. I am an artist who believes in advocating positivity and kindness through the arts. I have been drawing all my life and finally decided to take a chance on myself and restarted my art career at 41. I very much believe in giving back as so many have assisted me with my journey. Wether it is Project Kindness, sharing drawing tips and the skills I have learned along the way or answering questions, I am always there for my clients and supporters to assist them with whatever they need. One of the things I am most proud of is my journey has been learning, and community. Community also builds trust and support, my followers and clients support me and in turn I support them. They trust that I will come through with questions they may have, commissions, or just a chat. Community is always one of my missions on my platforms and will continue to be.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The art journey is not an easy one. Making the decision to go full time came a lot of criticism and still continues. It is so important to believe in yourself and in your work. Deciding to go into the arts full time brought some criticism from others, but after having many “regular” jobs leaving me unemployed taking a chance on myself has made me more happy than I had been in the last few years. It is a ton of work and continual learning but but some my hard work and a bit of faith in the work I am putting into this path has paid off in different ways. I have gotten exposure outside my country of residence, have had some amazing features and gotten to know some truly amazing artists. I am extremely grateful for these opportunities.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
Do research! Make sure to do as much research as you possibly can! It is an extensive world, and being such a new platform there is risk as well. Educate yourself, don’t rush into it! NFT’s are here to stay it seems, but is it a good thing? While they have their perks, they also have negative aspects as well. NFT’S really are a personal preference, I enjoy exploring and currently exploring digital aspects to my work, NFT’S are not in my own personal future just yet. I may choose to do one in the future on a more environmentally friendly platform. But first-research!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessicaarcherartworks.godaddysites.com
- Facebook: @jessicalindyarcher1979
- Instagram: @jessica.archer79
- Twitter: @jessicaarcher79
- Other: Pintrest: Jessica Archer Artworks
Image Credits
Jessica Archer