Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Clark.
Jessica, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I don’t know if my story is unique, like most artists I have loved drawing since I was a kid. My mom would always tell me that when I was two, I was already holding a pencil the correct way and was drawing shapes versus scribbles like most two-year-olds. I guess a few unique things about me is that part of my childhood I grew up in Portugal and my father, who appreciated art, was really good about taking us to see all the historical places and many art museums all over Europe; so I was exposed to great art at a young age.
Another unique part in my story is I almost quit art my senior year in college, it seemed like no one liked my art and I just didn’t feel I had what it took to be a professional artist, and I was seriously considering switching majors, even my husband who is also an artist asked if I would ever draw again once I was done with school, and I remember telling him probably not. A turning point for me was when Armand Baltazar came to our University to do an art seminar and a workshop. At the time Armand Baltazar was working for Dreamworks and Disney. There were 100 students at his workshop, and he had us draw our own versions of Red Riding Hood then he talked to us one by one to see what we came up with. He was very nice and complimentary when he talked to me. After talking to all the students, he asked us to put up our work on the wall to show everybody. About half the students didn’t put their work up, and I was one of them being too embarrassed about my work. After Armand talked about all the pieces up on the wall, he said, “Some young lady didn’t put her work up, and it’s great, and it’s worth seeing.” He was talking about me! I was just shocked! He remembered me out of 100 students! Ever since then I realized my artwork is “worth seeing,” and that gave me enough to keep going, and I haven’t stopped since.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
What do I do? Good question, I’m a mother of four young kids, so my time is limited, so the past few years I have done a few commissions here and there, but mostly I have painted what I felt like that day, or work on fundamental skills to get better as an artist with the goal of being a full-time illustrator in the near future.
Most of my work is digital, even though I love a good oil painting. Digital works better for me with young kids; I can draw on my I pad while holding a sleeping baby. One day I hope to do more oil painting.
Why I paint is because it’s my “me” time when the kids are in bed, and it’s just fun and play for me. I also like the challenge of making my next painting or drawing better than my last. I love seeing my progress throughout the years.
My inspiration is everything that is in my daily life. This past summer I was running in the evenings and the clouds I would see every day were just breathtaking that for a few weeks I was painting a lot of clouds. I also love reading books and watching movies, so I love painting worlds or characters similar to the stories that inspire me.
With my art, I hope I make people happy or feel the goodness that I strive to live in my daily life. There is a lot of negativity out there, so I try to balance it out with positivity. I also love when I post an art piece on social media and someone comments on how it reminds them of a fond memory they have. I love how it helps me connect with people.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
It is very competitive, and there are a lot of talented people out there.
Also, people don’t know what to pay what your art is worth sometimes, and that can be frustrating. Because I love art doesn’t mean I want to do a painting for someone for free or for a very low price.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see my work on my facebook page or on my art Instagram.
I have an Etsy shop and I sale work on Society 6.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessicawclarkillustration.com/
- Email: jessicawclark33@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicawclarkillustration/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicawclarkillustration/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtofJessicaClark
Image Credit:
Jessica Clark
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