We recently connected with Jesse McCloskey and have shared our conversation below.

Jesse, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

The Swain School of Design taught me how to improve as an artist by never falling in love with my work. My teachers encouraged equal amounts drawing and erasing. If I can’t destroy my artwork, I’m trapped by it. I could have sped up my learning process if I had put aside the time to catalog each work before being overwhelmed, swimming in paintings.

Self doubt and showing up anyway are the most essential.

I’ve been my own worst obstacle. Whatever I don’t know by now, is entirely my fault. I blame no one but myself.

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As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up on a horse farm in Massachusetts. I was first seduced by a Rouault in Boston so I felt I’d better get to it and make a few decent paintings. While I can only hope, at this point, to be way past pride in my artwork, I do think I’ve painting a few pictures, suitable to hang in a home.

I have two primary concerns. Painting and finding good homes for them.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Well, I guess I think about what Joan Didion said, telling ourselves stories in order to live. I don’t think in terms of goals or missions, I have a craving which can never be satisfied but I go about trying just the same.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I would suggest Marcus Aurelius’s “Meditations”

Contact Info:

• Website: jessemccloskey.com
• Instagram: jessemccloskey

Image Credits
Jesse McClosk