We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeri Sparks and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jeri, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Western Nebraska, for the most part, by my mother. She was the strongest woman I have ever known. She was taken from us when I was just 26. My mother was my biggest fan and always encouraged me to try new things. She always told me I could do anything I put my mind to. She was right.
Growing up I was a musician and singer. I taught myself to read music at 5 years old. I have never encountered an instrument I could not play and was 1st chair in band and orchestra for the entirety of my school career. I always joke that I was my mom’s “performing monkey.” Anytime there was company around, she would request I sing or play for them. No one believed in me more than my mother. I firmly believe I have this ability to learn so quickly due to my mother’s encouragement and belief in me and I am a teacher to my core.
I worked in early childhood education for most of my adult life. As a single mother of 3 children, this career allowed me to be present in my children’s lives. My children and I moved to Bozeman, Montana in 2010.
I moved to Burlington, Iowa in April of 2020. I am now a full time artist and instructor in most mediums. I am a firm believer that if a person wants to learn and master something, it only takes practice and drive to be successful.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a mostly self-taught artist, with the exception of soft pastel.
In my thirties, I decided I wanted to learn to draw portraits. So I did. Once I completed my first portrait (100 hours of work) I began advertising for hand-drawn portraits. I worked only with a .05 mm mechanical pencil on paper. I sold portraits for $100 per face, around the holidays. This was a great supplement for my modest income as a preschool teacher and allowed me to provide better for my children. I drew portraits around the holidays most every year until my children were grown.
In 2017, I decided I would finally break into color, after more than 10 years of working only in graphite. After doing much research I decided to begin with watercolor because it was said to be the most difficult medium to work with. I quickly learned this medium and of course, painted portraits. Since the beginning of my painting journey, I have mastered charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, soft pastel, and oils. I combine realism with lots of abstract color and movement in my work.
I now teach in all of the above mentioned mediums and continue to take commissions. I also paint live at many events in the area.
I am most proud of the fact that I have managed to do the “impossible” and make a living off in the art world. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the pride on someone’s face when they realize they can do something they thought they couldn’t do.
My own artwork is generally based on my own emotion. It should also evoke emotion and make the viewer think, “What is that subject thinking? What have they been through? or ” I can relate.”
I want everyone to know that they can paint, if they want to. It takes work and practice. It doesn’t generally “come naturally.”
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.
The first place I take anyone is the Art Center of Burlington. It offers a beautiful gallery space and artist’s market. This is my happy place and where my journey as an art instructor began.
While we are downtown, we will visit Burlington By the Book, Natures Corner, Thyme and Spice Company, and many of the other little shops down there.
During the summer, we’d likely go to the Farmer’s Market on Thursday evening.
We eat breakfast, at least once, at Jerry’s Main Lunch, which is one of the oldest restaurants in Burlington. 76 years now. It’s a tiny little space with 14 stools at the counter and the grill right there in front of you.
Good- Great restaurant for brunch, complete with a ball pit upstairs and board games.
Busted Cup- German Cuisine and great atmosphere
Snake Alley- our claim to fame in Ripley’s Believe It or Not as the crookedest street in the US.
The remainder of the time would likely be meeting my friends, looking at the view of the downtown steeples, visiting David Garrison’s studio or hanging out by the river. Maybe going somewhere to paint en plein air or have a picnic.
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?
There are a few people that come to mind.
Obviously, my mom, for pushing me to try new things and strive to master them. I think of her often and hope she is proud of what I have accomplished in my life.
Jim Hurne. Jim and I moved to Burlington, Iowa together. He has continually supported me as an artist. He says constantly that the world needs to see my art and he will do everything in his power to make sure that happens.
Master Artist, David Garrison. I learned soft pastel from him. He is the only art instructor I have studied with, as I am largely self-taught. I didn’t take art in school and went to college for a degree in Education. He has continually encouraged and supported me in my art journey since we met in 2020. I treasure the knowledge he passed on to me and the time he has invested in my success as an artist.
Website: jerisparks.com
Instagram: @justjerilee
Facebook: @jerisparksartist
Image Credits
Audrey Sparks