Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Wood. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. Has Covid resulted in any major changes to your business model?

Personally for me Covid changed my career trajectory. I was juggling in studio photography and painting. I found that I really enjoyed painting so much more.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a painter, an abstract artist. I also paint abstract faces and figures. Humans are fascinating to me. All the different expressions and emotions. The way they move through the world. Their motivations, needs, wants, drives and how that affects everything around them-the butterfly effect.

I was a portrait and documentary photographer for 10+ years before I started painting full time. I’ve always felt more like an alien, an observer to this world. Painting helps me process emotions and understand the people around me. I am also a person on the autism spectrum. I was officially diagnosed when I was 28. I finally made sense to myself after receiving my diagnosis. After thinking something was wrong with me for so many years I finally realized I’m not weird or different, I’m just neurodiverse.

I have been painting since I was young, professionally for 5 years now. It feels kind of weird to think of my art studio as a business really. I work out of my home, I took over the unused dining area space in the front of my house and I go in there everyday and paint something, anything. I love it when people come over and are wanting to fill their homes with original art and they let me help them plan their space out. We spread paintings out all onto the floor and talk about color tones and decor. I love creating. Creating a space. Creating a mood.

My favorite mediums to work with are charcoal, graphite and acrylics. I also use oil and acrylic ink every once in a while but you will see a dramatic element of charcoal in almost every piece I create.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Being on the autism spectrum and being perceived/praised is probably one of the hardest things to do for me to accept. I don’t really want to be noticed as a person. It’s very weird for me to be under the spotlight. I prefer to be in the background observing. I don’t think I’m special in any way. I just genuinely love to create. My studio is my happy place & everyday I get to paint is a good day for me.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Just being my authentic self. I’m very open and honest about where the inspiration from my art comes from. I’m very commutative with my clients as well when I’m doing commissioned work. I like to send photos and videos along the way of the process of creating to make sure the client is getting the right colors and feel for their space. I want people to have art that they love and will cherish for a long time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jbwstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicawood_canvasart/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JBWStudios2020/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jbwstudio?_t=8m2zWLTCckI&_r=1