We recently connected with Jessica Albrecht and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

A lot of my work is painting on bodies. I always tell the person getting painted that it’s absolutely about their comfort level and that they can go completely nude or wear a snow suit all I care. I think many people naturally see a naked body and sexualize it, but to me, it’s truly about making beautiful art that makes the person I’m painting feel beautiful, confident, and love the skin they’re in.

Jessica, 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?

I’ve always been a creative person, but it was when I was going through a divorce about ten years ago that I completely immersed myself into art. I used to paint on my patio and everything was covered in paint, including my grill (that at one point made it into a gallery). It completely saved my spirit. I started painting on people one night when my friend suggested I painted her. I did, and then people started to pay me and fly in to Charlotte to get painted and I knew I was on to something. I’ve made such beautiful friends doing this and it’s brings me endless joy to watch people leave my studio walking a little taller and more confident.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Comparison is absolutely the thief of joy. It’s so important to find your own style. I have failed so many times experimenting (happily, while jamming to music making a mess). When you find your flow, it’s magic.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My whole life has been constant change and evolving with a million different obstacles. I’ve had a lot, and I’ve had nothing. I’ve had high power jobs, and I’ve gotten by as a lowly artist full time. It’s all a journey and it’s not always pretty, but I’ve always found a way to make it fun and funny. My kids have always made me stay driven and motivated as a single mom. Being responsible for other humans has a way of making you think fast and work hard.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Jessicabstract
• Facebook: Jessicabstract
• Twitter: Jessicabstract