We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessa Spencer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessa below.

Jessa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve always viewed the world through the lens of an artist. I don’t think there was a single moment when I decided to pursue a creative path professionally-rather it was something that was in me from the beginning and had only been awaiting the right life conditions to take root. I won my first art contest at age seven, competing against artists who were far older than me and while it was validating, I didn’t yet understand that art could carry more than just passion. At some point, art becoming a livelihood just sort of fell into my lap.

For me, a lot of my story of getting to where I am as an artist involves my creativity taking a backseat to my survival. Although, my creative instincts and my artistic intuition has always been present. When I discovered fiber arts, the medium and I clicked. My art sort of found its own audience through social media. What started as a self-exploration of my creative talents quickly blossomed into something larger: a business, a calling and a way to connect with people as from all over the world. I had a deep respect for the medium, as it is usually deemed “Women’s Work”. I found poetry in the idea that I was creating a livelihood for myself doing just that, “Women’s Work.” And so I continued to pour my efforts into embroidery.

Jessa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Jessa Spencer. I’m a fiber artist based out of Dayton, Ohio. I specialize in embroidered landscapes that mimic impressionist painting and the majority of my pieces pull inspiration from the moody countryside and americana photography. What started as experiments within a medium, quickly ignited into a passion for textiles and I’ve been stitching thread paintings for about seven years.

What sets me apart is the unique expression of my pieces and the contradiction that is embroidery vs. impressionism. Embroidery being a traditionally slow and meticulous artform that requires patience at it’s core, is what I use to depict the spontaneity of impressionism. The juxtaposition of patience and movement is reflected in each completed piece.

I’m most proud of the way my art resonates with people from all walks of life and that each work is created with the intention of evoking emotion. Additionally, my layering of different materials to offer texture, as well as my use of occasional beadwork and wool has given my pieces a distinct style and has allowed for my work to stand out as my own. It took me a number of years to gather enough bravery to summon my own art style, along with a lot of trial and error as I worked. And with experience, my work has become easily recognizable as mine.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is authenticity. To keep creating, continuously improve and push to make beautiful work that reflects my vulnerability and talents. Each piece I create is a challenge to myself and is an attempt to confront both perfectionism and the remnants of imposter syndrome. I want to keep making meaningful art while finding self liberation amid creating.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Art is one of the few spaces in life where lawlessness is celebrated. I have no real formulas I have to follow, or boundaries to stay within. Every piece is explorative, a conversation between my hands and the materials. The journey from creation to completion for me is an experiment, and the reward is in the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://jessaspencer.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/Northwise_