We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Becker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I knew at the age of five that I wanted to be an artist and I remember stressing out at the idea of working a regular job for the rest of my life. I took some art classes in school but I really ended up teaching myself how to paint and that ultimately led me to being addicted to the craft. The idea of a career that didn’t revolve around being creative was not an option for me.
Before I took a leap of faith and started painting murals for a living, I worked a bunch of other jobs. I was a hair stylist, I used to sell vacuum cleaners door to door, I worked as a cashier, I was a receptionist at comedy club (that one was fun) and while working all those regular jobs I practiced painting daily, and slowly mastered it. I spent a lot of time balancing work while practicing and perfecting my skill so I appreciate the patience, discipline, and confidence that I gained from my journey that’s brought me to where I am now.
I’m living the dream, ha!
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?
My name is Jessica Becker and I specialize in mixed media artwork which means I add different materials to my canvases and wood cutouts to add more life and texture to them. Most of my paintings are portraits so I use the skills I learned from my degree in cosmetology to add everything from hair extensions to make customized hairstyles, to fabric to make customized outfits, to beads and wires for jewelry/piercings, false lashes, and so much more for each of the subjects in my pieces. I’m constantly challenging myself with the work I create so a lot of my process involves trial and error and using different elements to make the pieces look realistic. My objective when I create is to work and combine elements that have never been seen before. I promise you’ll never get bored of my work!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
The best way to start, and it’s in everyone’s best interest, is to try to seek local art shows/events no matter how big or small they are. Small ones are the best hidden gems. You’ll be surprised by the inspiration you feel when you connect with a piece of artwork and the ideas that go through your mind that will hopefully trigger your own inner passion to create and inspire others in your own unique way. I’m constantly blown away by the different styles of artwork that Artists create that are endlessly challenging the norms. With the gift of social media, we can share our work on many platforms and can be easily viewed around the world. A great way to support artists is by following/liking/sharing/commenting on their posts and spreading the word about their art on your own social media platforms to help more people become familiar with the Artists you find a connection with.
Spread the word :)
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Its honestly for my own sanity that I create. ha. I’m constantly learning and making new things with my artwork and never know how my art will turn out until it’s finished, so I’m just as excited to see the end result as everyone else watching progression images of it in the making. I’m open to any unexpected new opportunities that the future holds.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jessica-becker.com
- Instagram: @Gorjessart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GorjessArt
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-becker
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GorjessArt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_KHg1aSdDWyckVu6_96hUg
Image Credits
Lex Barberio @lexbarberio