Interview with Jessica Patterson
My name is Jessica Patterson also represented as The Frequent Artist. I’m currently residing in Louisiana until I find a suitable place to work from. My artistic beginnings started at a young age with drawing but at the age of sixteen I managed to learn how to paint. Being self-taught enabled me to learn at a steady pace and I often researched all forms of creative content available; such as movies, comics, and of course art history.
Painting and illustration are my focus as of late creatively which helps keep the flow weekly. The ideas for more to better content always enables the work to maintain a personality to express some individuality no matter the scale. Next project: multimedia maybe? I’m always willing to put in the effort and time needed to make ideas stay active.
The future in my artistic endeavours is a grander one as I hope to make more complex pieces that challenge as well as keep my mind stimulated. As the art continues to grow I want to become a better artist while keeping the interest as new as the first time I held a crayon to colour a doodle.
Can you pinpoint the moment you decided you wanted to become an artist?
I’ve always been creative since I was a kid but the spark started around 16 when I started painting. I realized how much there was to learn as far as developing technique; though you never really stop learning.
Where is your studio and where are you from?
Currently, I work out of my bedroom which I’ve converted into a small studio until I can rent myself a proper one. I reside in Alexandria, Louisiana with my family.
Tell us a little about your artistic background. What were your first influences to be creative and become a serious artist?
I’ve been artistic since I was younger and loved watching cartoons. This inspired me to start learning to draw at 10 years old. Comic books inspired me to tell stories and anything I could find that was art related I tried or was interested in. I always had an interest in painting but didn’t pick up a paintbrush till I was 16. Since then I continue to extend my knowledge on art techniques with work and practice. Bill Watterson, Salvador Dali, Frieda Kahlo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso (rose and blue period), and Paul Cezanne are just a few names to the numerous inspirations along my artistic journey.
Can you tell us what you have going on right now?
Working on digital paintings to prepare for the opening of my online shop. Also preparing for a group exhibit showcase in a New York gallery coming next summer.
Can you describe what an average working day for you is like? Do you work on many creatures at once or one at a time?
Even though I wake up in the morning around 7 a.m. I don’t start working till about 3 or 4 in the evening. I’m more of a night owl so the urgency to work at night is stronger. The mornings do consist of sketching and preparation for later in the day. Lately, I’ve been trying to start working after breakfast like I used to. I’m working on 4 different pieces as of now which is more than my usual 2 at a time.
What makes your art different from others?
My experience reflects the art I’m always working on. Those experiences are drawn from my perspective that no one else can re-enact. Storytelling with colours is often how I describe the process as a whole. Each piece is its own personality allowing for more trial and error with the creative process.
In your opinion, what role does the artist have in society? What do you hope that others will gain from viewing your art?
An artist has always been a voice that extends all boundaries. If people can’t hear you, then let them see you. If people can’t see you, capture those moments for people to interpret them. Art more than anything is a celebration of human ideas that are meant to be expressed. The artist decides what kind of expression tells the best story. I would like people’s perception of my work to expand their view on looking outside of “the conventional” artwork. Simply put, allow for the pieces to express more than an expectation and open your mind to more crazier ideas. The works will ask that of a viewer; mine can sometimes.
What’s the most important element in your artwork?
Formation and color personally reflect the most in my work. As I become more comfortable with storytelling so do these 2 elements for me. The form or formation is the general outline that starts the concept to each of my pieces. This can start as a simple line or a mixture of shapes. Next is color which interacts with the surrounding outlines. Color is expression in many ways.
That being said, are there any lessons that you’ve learned that you could pass on to the younger generation of artists as they begin their journeys?
Every new piece is a brand new start to learn and experience growth. Take the time to learn what keeps your creativity motivated. Creative lag is real but not the end to ideas. Use that time to doodle, sketch, or even write. All of these things are useful in the long run.
What’s on the horizon for you?
The horizon looks busy, which is great for me honestly. I’m working on expanding The Frequent Artist to include in visual media this year with my YouTube channel. Also working on new pieces and promotions for my online shop, “Frequent Art & Ink Splotches”. I partnered with a friend to illustrate a children’s book, which we’re currently working on. As always I’m working on new paintings for future collaborations and then hopefully a little travel sometime in the near future.
Website http://www.thefrequentartist.com
