Artist Spotlight: Jessica Pelley

The Light of Acadia

When you get your first look at Jessica’s work, you might think you are looking at a technicolor dream. Her bright paintings are full of energy and emotion. She says, “I think the world is beautiful. I love to capture things in exaggerated and vibrant color to really emphasize how much that landscape or concept or emotion felt like as it was vibrating in me.” But her work is not all about color. She also works in three-dimensional mediums such as clay, wood and wire. Her clay pieces are often as expressive and playful as her paintings. Lately she has been reminded how much she just likes drawing and has been creating more subtle works in graphite.

Finding Her Art

Growing up, Jessica was dissuaded from “wasting time” on art so she didn’t consider it as a career option. Her creative itch remained strong, however, so she would find herself quickly pitching in when something needed an artful touch. Then, about a decade ago, she went to a “paint night” and discovered acrylics. New to that medium, she appreciated their vibrance and the ability to work quickly on large canvasses. Over the years, she continued to hone her artistic skills and her first foray into exhibiting her art was through Eastport Gallery’s Community Show. Her first sale was through Eastport’s Hearts for the Arts auction.

Back to School

As she edged towards having more art in her life, Jessica found herself seeking a more structured approach. So back to school! While a full-time student at University of Maine, Orono, she immerses herself in many mediums but also must tackle classes such as Energy, Environment, and Climate to achieve her degree. After just a few classes she is considering teaching as career option and says, “Now I’m looking forward to helping other aspiring artists find their way, while also expanding and refining my own practice.”

Jessica is appreciating the school environment and loves working in the studios there. She says, “I like being surrounded with other burgeoning creatives all learning and experimenting, and I love some of the discussions that are had about why they are pursuing art and what art means to them. It’s also nice to have a dedicated creative space because I don’t have a true studio at home. At home I tend to be surrounded by distractions which makes it hard to reach that flow state.”

Exploring Beyond the Pretty

Art for Jessica used to get squeezed in between “more important tasks” so now she is allowing herself to prioritize her creative work. Focusing on slowing down and planning her artwork more thoughtfully, she reminds us that “different ideas seem to call for different mediums, and I like the idea of eventually being able to express my thoughts in multiple mediums at once, possibly in larger installation work.”

She is also building the confidence to move beyond just making things that are aesthetically appealing. She is exploring subject matter that feels more purposeful and a bit more vulnerable. 

Lately she is working on expressing the beauty that is found in the broken. As she has struggled with depression in the past, much of this work relates to mental health. Through introspection she has built a unique perspective on what matters most, and she hopes to inspire others to view themselves with kindness.

Baby Steps

As she looks back over the last few years, Jessica wants to encourage and inspire other budding artists who perhaps received negative encouragement at home. She advises “You can do the thing. You just have to keep taking little steps in that direction, and someday you’ll be shocked at how far you’ve come.” She also appreciates the support she receives from her community as she continues to pursue her own new career. “I’m really thankful for the Eastport community being so welcoming to a newcomer.”

You can see more of Jessica’s art on Instagram @j.pelleyarts and at jpelleyarts.weebly.com, and, of course at eastportgallery.com/jessica-pelley as well as in the Gallery in season. She also expects to have a piece or two in the Spring Show at her school.