We recently connected with Jessie Belisle and have shared our conversation below.

Jessie, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

Back in Montreal, I was working as an optician. My area of focus was science. Everything I know about Art is self-taught. Back then, I needed to have a very strong work ethic, stay organized, and know how to interact with clientele. It takes a lot of discipline to be an artist, especially nowadays having to take care of a website, social media, galleries, marketing… There is lots of work that needs to be done “outside” the studio, and keeping up with it is very important. It shows how professional and serious you are as an artist, and clients will feel more comfortable reaching out to you.

I work with curators that have expectations, and sometimes tight delays. I try to answer every email in a timely manner, keep my website up to date, and deliver within the time frame. This work ethic definitely comes from my previous career and I am so grateful for it.

I always loved interacting with people, client or not, there is always something to discover in a short authentic conversation. When it comes to selling myself, I am a strong believer that the product will speak for itself, but if the person behind the product touches your heart on top of it, then the connection is at a whole other level.

Jessie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started painting while I was still in school to become an optician. I was living in my first apartment in Montreal, and wanted to have some Art on my walls but couldn’t afford it at the time. I was always somewhat creative. I was playing music and would create small Art projects here and there. Immediately after making that very first painting, there was no way I would stop there.

I have created over 200 pieces since, and even in periods where I wasn’t selling, I just couldn’t stop pushing myself and try to do better every time. I started painting portraits, then transitioned to abstract. I am still very in love with abstract, it’s still the best way for me to discover new techniques, and push myself. It’s a very pure expression, so there is always a lot to learn from it.

In 2022, I intuitively started painting landscapes. I believe living so close to the mountains deeply inspired me and opened the door to a whole other series which I’m truly excited about.

I am deconstructing the landscape to reveal the basis of its composition. I am letting the viewer fill the gaps. My minimalist mountains are reduced to simple lines, and dominant colors. They let you flow with them, without overpowering you with details. Mountains have this peaceful effect that draws you in, that makes you want to reconnect with the beauty of nature.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being able to express myself in multiple ways! It can be hard sometimes to have a voice in this world because everything is over-saturated. I feel extremely lucky and privileged to be able to show up as myself in every aspect of my life. The way I dress, the way I talk, the way I express my love to my surroundings, and having my creations on walls of either galleries or homes, is the most rewarding feeling.

As a female artist, I know how important it is to be confident, and seize every opportunity. Our voice and creativity is so precious, and healing. Looking at the news, and seeing women losing rights around the world, only makes me want to stand taller, and shine brighter.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I’m the type of person that when I go to a museum, I just want to get closer to see the brush strokes, and believe me if I could touch, I would. I think NFTs are just not working for my own personality and taste. I am not against them at all! I think digital Art is super cool, and I am always excited to see how artists find new ways to integrate technology and Art.

I met my husband at Burning Man, and we are both always looking forward every year to experience new Art installations, from a drone painting in the sky to some amazing projection mapping. I am here for all of it. I just can’t imagine my own Art in a digital form. Never say never!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jessiebelisle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessiebelisle_art/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessiebelisle966