So, Jess, who are you?!

 I am a Mama to 3 beautiful boys who I try to surround with art, creativity and encouragement daily.  I have painted ever since I was a little girl and there is nothing I'd rather do with my time than CREATE.  After two art degrees and almost 8 years in the Wedding Photography field I am carving out time to throw my heart into my first true love- Painting. 

What are you most passionate about in your work? 

This is a hard one for me because I don't think it's only one thing.  What comes to the forefront of my mind is my kids. The act of painting is so dear to me, I am so passionate about the process and I could literally paint 12 hours a day everyday.  When I started to have kids I was met with a lot of lashback from the painting community at the time- alot of people didn't understand the bridge between "Mother" and "Artist."  I want my boys to grow up fully confident in following wherever their hearts lead, the best way I know how to do that is to show them.  I want them to see their Mother pursue and be successful at a carer she loves. I want to thrive BECAUSE of them, not in spite of them.  Right behind that is the work I am doing now. I love painting florals and have always incorporated them in my work.  I also love painting figures. The work I haven't shared yet is going to heavily reflect motherhood, that journey and will without a doubt have florals mixed in. 

What is your favorite thing to create? 

One of my favorite things to create is art with my kids- I started a kid art blog www.juiceboxcurator.com; @juiceboxcurator  to share some of those projects with the world and help fuel my kids creatively.  I think its important for other Mama Artists to know that no matter the age, you can still create and follow your passion with kids running around even if it gets messy sometimes.  

How do photography and art blend together in your creative process and life?

Photography and Painting for me are very different mediums but it is impossible for me to not be influenced by each one whether I have a brush or a camera in my hand. I compose from the standpoint of a painter when I photograph, I draw from the same bank of emotion when I have a family in front of me as well as when I have a canvas in front of me.  I am thankful to have two mediums with which to express myself. Its helped me in the creative process exponentially. 

Do you do custom work?

YES! I do custom pieces. I started as a portrait painter and I am creating new work to showcase that.  I have also done my share of animal portraits. I love it all and love creating art work that tugs at the heartstrings.  You can find me at www.jessicabrass.com or on instagram at @jessbrassart 

Jess and I will be hosting giveaways on Instagram on June 19th, 2020 featuring our collaborative pieces! That will also be the day our hard work will be going up in the shop. Each piece is 5x7 acrylic painting on handmade paper.