Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Lisby.
Jessica, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I found myself modifying my toys, personal items, and wardrobe to fit my personality for as long as I can remember. I noticed that I had my own style, and some people dug it, but others weren’t so sure. I’ve always been a collector of odd things, mainly things that I could use in future projects, sometimes holding on to these items for years until the right moment came along. I’m inspired by nature and mechanical things, but any odd scrap could turn into something magical.
I’ve had 2 goals my entire adult life. First, to inspire others to find healing and acceptance within themselves. Second, to surround myself with creativity. It’s made it a life worth living.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I make bespoke accessories. Mostly jewelry, but I’ve also dabbled in clothing, shoes, handbags, books, house wares, and furniture. I’ve even done work on an award-winning classic car. I love fashion and interior design, but never get too caught up in trends.
What inspired Almost Classy Designs is the concept of taking something that is broken or unloved and giving it new life. I can’t help but see something in all its shining potential, even when it’s at its worst. It’s been a constant theme in my life, Broken Is Beautiful. I find this is true with people as well, if we try hard enough to find the potential, and don’t give up when the parts don’t just fall into place.
Sometimes my pieces happen fast, others I work for months manipulating them until they fit just the right way. It’s like therapy for me either way. Nothing has been more pleasurable than turning nothing into something. The real fun comes when other people appreciate it as well, but then often I am sad to see my creations go. They all have a story and they all remind me of whatever was going on in my life when they were created.
My goals have always been to make something that would never end up hidden in a drawer, or become unfashionable. I want to make pieces that my clients and friends will love for a life time.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Being a creative can be a very lonely life. I feel like we often view the world differently and it can be very difficult to relate to others, or them to us. Many of us have a lot of associates, but few intimate friends. When I do have spare time, I’d rather spend it being crafty than socializing, and to be honest, I thrive on alone time. The thing that keeps me connected is I have many like-minded friends that I converse with often. Many of them online, and some I have never even met in real life. We lift each other up and support one another’s work. I enjoy bouncing ideas off of other creative people and we know that even if we don’t ‘hang out’, we still have each other’s backs.
Also, I do several shows annually and it’s always fun to see the same artist and how much we have grown over the last year and also to meet new people in an atmosphere I love so much and can feel like myself in.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m currently enrolled full time in Massage therapy school in Arlington until the end of October, 2018. I’ve been doing commissions and find rare moments here and there to create new designs, or work on a few that I have already started, but I hope to pick back up this fall and hit some shows. I love taking Almost Classy Designs on the road.
I have many finished pieces right now, and would love to be in a local gallery or be picked up by a boutique again. Currently, most of my sales come from collectors or social media. I love social media work and post all my new designs and upcoming events.
Contact Info:
- Email: almostclassydesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/almostclassydesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostclassy11/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.lisby.56
Image Credit:
Photos by Almost Classy Designs
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
