Meet Jess Self | Figurative Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jess Self and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have followed a career in art because I have to, making artwork is a necessity for me. I find it fulfilling and it helps with my mental health and to processing things. I find joy in making figurative sculptures that others can connect to and feel understood.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I make figurative sculptures that have helped me heal and process my past traumas and hope that others can connect with and relate to them. I feel I am still an emerging artist and am working hard to get recognition and representation, I currently supplement my artistic career with teaching at the college level and other freelance jobs. Growing a career in the arts is very challenging and requires a lot of work and time both in the studio and on the computer applying to opportunities and marketing myself. It is also a humbling career as rejection is a big part of the job. I want my work, as it evolves, to foster connection and to educate the audience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would probably take them to some of my favorite art galleries, like WhiteSpace or Atlanta Contemporary. I would want them to experience the Beltline and all the wonderful public art there. I would also take them to hike at Stone Mountain and to some of my favorite breweries popping up on the westside.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh wow, I have so much support and people who believe in me I am not sure where to start. I have the most supportive fiance, he pushes me to keep going when I want to quit and holds me when the rejection becomes too much. My family is so loving and encouraging, my mother loves to help me in the studio and attend events. But the person I have looked up to and who mentored me the most was my late friend and former professor, Lara Nguyen. She is everything I aspire to be and since her passing, I have made it my goal to figure out how to uplift and inspire people the way she impacted so many others.

Website: https://www.jesslself.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art.felt.self

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX151Z2GtGw&t=8s

Image Credits
Chris Carder Photography