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

Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Ever since a young age, I knew that I learned differently than my peers, and it wasn’t something that was temporary, instead, it was something that was part of me growing up. I feel like I always accepted it as part of who I am, and at the time it would have also been nice to have that understanding from others. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with dyslexia that my outer world began to also shift, as well as how others treated me. Sure, in school some people were accepting and tried to understand what it was, while others simply didn’t give it the time of day or even accepted it. Yes, at times it was hurtful, but with my own acceptance of it, it started to matter less. I knew it wasn’t something that was my fault, but something I had to work around and through, and that could be a positive exercise. I think people just didn’t understand that not everyone has the same learning path. So for me, I used art as my way of self-expression and way of showing what is in my mind and heart. That ease of expression comes through in a more authentic way for me through painting, than say, words do. So it was my catharsis to something bigger that helped me to uncover another side of myself, while always encouraging others to fuel their dreams in a way that makes sense to them, without having to conform to certain standards and by just being themselves.

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 was fascinated by art since childhood. I’m thankful to have had grandmother and great-grandmother who instilled in me the power of inspiration and creativity, as they were artists in their own right, who made pottery and paintings. I learned more about the creative process and how patience plays a big part in the creative journey since then. I learned so much about what it takes to be a painter, from the phase when you are thinking a thought of creation, to execution, to revision, and even further revision, until you are satisfied with the final product. Art creation was my way of being in my own world and interpreting the current world. Especially dealing with dyslexia, art became my way of expressing whatever I wanted, and that is a beautiful thing that I can’t explain fully with just words. For me, every piece I have created has taught me so much about the process and where I want to take my practice next. During college, I enrolled in the art program at the university and that was the official beginning of my profession as an artist. I graduated as an art major with a minor in interior design, and using both degrees hand-in-hand is so important and critically valuable for me as an artist even today. With time, patience, and valued mentors, I learned to shape my style and continued evolving, which to me is a never-ending process and what makes life more intriguing and thrilling, to discover more about yourself and what you can do with what you’ve got.

Today, I paint using different techniques, as I don’t like to limit myself to what I can do. I work with oils, pastels, mixed media, screenprinting, and even on glass. I am always learning, observing, and producing the pieces that make sense to me during a specific period of time. I’d say I’m most proud of being able to see and hear how my work impacts someone’s life and space, be it their home or place of work. I enjoy positively transforming a space with my work, no matter how big or small the creation. I’m always grateful and happy to hear from clients who have personally connected with an art piece that speaks to them on a deeper, sometimes more personal level. The ability to be able to do that for a living in what I create is something I don’t take for granted, and it makes me excited to continue doing what I do. The fact that someone chooses my work to be a part of their lives in a way, that’s a big deal to me. It puts a smile on my face, every time. I can’t image not being able to create till the day I die.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I’m an avid supporter of many aspects of life, but what stands out most at the moment is fairness and equality. I can only speak to my experience as a female artist and how that is a world of its own. I know we have come a long way in other things pertaining to gender equality, but I believe there is much more work to be done to be at a comfortable level that feels like a new normal for women artists. The discrimination and lack of opportunities have been present in my own journey because I am a woman and that doesn’t feel good. I still see it today and it can be heartbreaking but it is what I choose to do with that sentiment that can make a difference for me. So I choose to keep going and keep supporting fellow female artists in all areas of work. I think it’s of great value to support one another and to mean what we say through our actions in a consistent way. I want people to see us as artists, period, not categorize us because of our gender. We work just as hard and we are just as innovative, so it’s a push that I will continue to strive for through my work and the causes I support.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Yes! Supportive resources for artists such as financial support through grants and creative opportunities allow artists access to the financial support they may need at any time throughout their professional journey, whenever they may need it. I also think of the value of a good professional creative group, that can serve as a support system for artists through mentorship or even financial advice, that way artists can start seeing what they do as more than just the creative aspect, but more from the business aspect. After all, being a full-time artist can take good financial management, good marketing and communications, and a plan for continuing to make a living in other ways than the traditional gallery show opportunities. It can take a team of people sometimes, and I find value in that. It can be helpful for any artist to know what they need to do if they intend to pursue this as a full-time career moving forward, and having people around who can serve as a selfless guiding force is one of the best gifts ever.

Contact Info:

• Website: jessicawachter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicawachterart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaWachterArt
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessicawachter7919