I am shining my Artist Spotlight on Australian Illustrator, Jessica-Marree Welsh. I had the pleasure of interviewing this sweet and talented lady, and I am incredibly excited to introduce Jessica and her beautiful artwork to all of you! As many of you already know, I am a big supporter of the Arts and I am extremely passionate about supporting independent Artists. I was originally drawn to Jessica's work when I discovered her illustration titled, "Dragonfly".
The image of the dragonfly personally resonates with me because of my Mom. When my Mom was a young child growing up in the Philippines, she told my sister and I stories about how much fun she would have chasing dragonflies. I remember her telling us that because they were very poor, they did not have many toys to play with, so she spent a lot of time outside playing with bugs, and chasing dragonflies of all colors.
After falling in love with "Dragonfly", I discovered more and more of Jessica's captivating illustrations. I would consider her work to have the perfect mix of nature, with a soft femininity that can only be described as enchanting. Her illustrations are filled with precise and detailed line work that truly grabs the viewer's attention. Jessica is a wonderfully talented artist who lives in Melbourne, Australia and I am honored that I had the opportunity to interview her for this month's Artist Spotlight!
What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?
I’m going to go and pick up a coffee from a great little place that has opened up around the corner from my house because I have the day off, then I’m going to finish an illustration piece, which I’m really excited about.
Describe your artistic style in 7 words?
Detailed, Delicate, Feminine, Pretty, Natural, Soft, Refined.
What are you most passionate about?
I really enjoy the arts and I am lucky enough to have found a role that allows me to be creative a high majority of the time. I guess how my passion relates to this is that I truly believe that it really doesn't matter whether you draw pictures and work at the local coffee shop, work as a teacher, or even if you are the local dentist - as long as you enjoy what your doing, then I think that’s rad! Society and media at the moment tend to put such high expectations on how one should look and what a successful career is, no one has the right to tell anyone they are not good enough. Just do what makes you happy.
Who has had the greatest influence in your life as an artist, and why?
Every part, every person of my life so far, has influenced the artist I have become today. My father has always been very supportive and encouraging of me following my creative pursuits, and I am very thankful for that support. I think apart from that, other artists, musicians, life experiences and the people who support me, or even try to critique me, have had such a huge impact on my work.
What type of music (artists, genre, songs) do you listen to?
I guess I have pretty diverse taste. Huge fan of the classics like; Fleetwood Mac, Black Sabbath, The Beatles. Massive fan of City and Colour and Ryan Adams. I’m super excited about his new album coming out soon. The shins, The Black Keys, Cat Power, Wilco, Beck....
Where would you have your dream vacation/holiday?
I have been very fortunate to travel to some amazing places in my short life, but as far as dream vacations go, I would love to travel through the South of France. Also the Northern Lights are defiantly another one on my bucket list.
How would you describe your personal style?
Well, I would say I am defiantly more drawn to items with prints or texture. I guess it can be quite bohemian at times. It honestly just depends on how I feel when I wake up for the day. Some days are a band tee and jeans type of day, others are a flowing maxi dress type of day.
Who are your style icons?
Ahhhh, Stevie Nicks...what a babe, I mean come on seriously. HUGE fan. I’m also a fan of Kate Hudson. "Almost Famous" had a pretty big influence on my style for a while there. There was also a slight time (mid- late teens) when it was all about the black outfits, and the blonder my hair was, the better.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing instead?
Well, as an artist I feel I would still be doing it regardless. As far as it being my only career, I've been fairly lucky to have found a love for design, which means that I am creative on other platforms all day. I have always drawn and it has always been for myself. The fact that there is a public interest in it now, is very humbling. I feel very fortunate to share it with people.
What future plans do you have as an Artist?
I would really like to have a show at some point in the future. At the moment, I would like to get a collection of works together, and maybe do some collaborations.
What advice would you offer to your 18-year-old self?
I would say, 'Hey, you're going to be okay. Keep going, keep doing what you're doing, it’s the right path for you. Enjoy your travels and don’t let your romantic life worry you. Your time will come and it will be outstanding. As time goes on, your anxiety about the world and yourself, comes ease, and you will be happy and loved.'
If your life were a motion picture, what would the title be?
Wow, if someone ever thought my life was interesting enough to make a motion picture about I would be really chuffed. I guess it would depend on what aspect it focused on. That is a tough one... I’ll have to think about that for a while.
"DRAGONFLY"
"LADY LION CUB"
"HOWLIN"
"AND ALL THE BIRDS"
"SWEET LITTLE HUMMINGBIRD"
"DREAM ON"
"MYSTIC UNICORN"
All Original Artwork by Jessica-Marree Welsh
Follow Jessica on Instagram, here
Jessica-Marree Welsh will be joining our amazing panel of feature artists for our 1VintageSoul Artist-Designed Series! Stay tuned friends, as you will be able to purchase an exclusive Jessica-Marree Welsh Artist-Designed case for your smartphone!!
Thank you for reading...Keep shining!
~Michelle xo
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