I did something unusual today and made the title of today’s post the same as the piece of artwork that I’m going to share with you, rather than the artist that created it. Though I want to shout her name from the rooftops (I blow her up on social media which is basically the same thing), I felt like the subject matter was pushing me in a different direction.
Often when I look at a piece of artwork, I feel nothing. I am aware that doesn’t seem like the best recipe for a person writing an art series, but let me explain. I like art. I like to look at it: on Pinterest, in coffee shops, on Smithsonian documentaries, in galleries. Even if it doesn’t spark emotion in me, it still has the power to make my eyes happy. So, often when I look at a piece of artwork, I feel nothing.
I explained in my earlier post that I chose Jess for this month precisely because she holds the power to ignite feeling in me every time I look at her work. I will prove it at the end of the month by sharing with you the piece I chose for my home workspace. The focus of today’s post is deep, way deep, as deep as it gets.
When I first came upon “Soul Mountain”, I didn’t know it’s title. What I did know was that I felt drawn in AND dismayed. Something about the movement of the colors, the melting of the lines, and those blank white spaces in between spoke to me of unexpressed inner truths. I saw the sharp jagged lines, and soft blurred places of my own timeline, and of my story to come. It inspired me to all the things I’m already committed to: my family, my work, my service.
This is what sets Jessica’s work apart; this is what makes her style so special. It’s not everyday you come across a painting that has the power to fire you up like music before a big game. In person, the artist is much the same as her work. I was lucky enough to meet her a couple years back, and I knew then that she’s the sort of woman who walks in, and people take notice. Yes, she’s a gorgeous tall blonde; but, it’s the woman inside her that draws eyes, as though she’s a walking manifestation of her paintings. Jessica is one of those people that brings joy into a room with her. All ages and every gender shines more brightly in the presence of her radiant optimism and positivity.
This is what we can all expect to find if we make the trek to “Soul Mountain”, a rediscovery of that perpetual fire of joyful innocence that’s hidden inside all of us. The one that says regardless of what’s been, what’s coming can be good, and that’s worth working for, worth fighting for. If you’re looking to revitalize a space, to bring something happy, hopeful, inspiring and motivating to your life, you should seriously consider Jessica Nielsen’s collection. In all honesty, her work has begun to garner a lot of attention, and her originals are selling pretty quickly. Fortunately for you, there are two cheats to get around this problem.
Firstly, if you do see a piece that you can’t live without but it’s already sold, you can contact Jessica through her website to coordinate a commissioned piece. If you have never commissioned artwork before, you should consider it. Having something created specially for you or your loved one by creative hearts is an incredible feeling.
Second, if you aren’t sure about commissioning, or even if you are, you can plan to take advantage of a super secret stockpile of originals during Jessica Nielsen’s studio opening on December 8th. There will be options of all sizes and to fit all budgets. It will be a fantastic chance to get the most special gift possible for someone you think could use a little sunshine; not to mention, you will have an opportunity to meet the artist yourself! We will be giving you more information soon, so you can make arrangements to be there. Oh and did I mention, I’ll be there with my main squeeze, so we can party like it’s 1999!