Conversations with Jess Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Smith.

Hi Jess, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have been doing Art since I can remember. One of my earliest memories was receiving my first “Art Kit” as a gift for a birthday and falling in love with oil pastels. I couldn’t get over using my fingers to blend the colors. From then on, I can’t remember being involved in some Art project. I minored in Fine Art from the University of Missouri – Columbia after taking a bit of a break from creating. A few years later, I dove head first back into watercolors. I struggled with depression and a failing relationship, so I turned to Art as I typically do to get through it. Since then, I decided never to put Art on the back burner and work on starting a career as an Artist.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Like most, I have had some tough cards dealt to me. The biggest shift I have had in my career as an Artist was losing a friend, a fellow artist, to suicide about 2 years ago. We connected on a creative level that doesn’t come around often; without him, it has made me shift my creative process. He was my biggest cheerleader and respected my process as much as I respected his. I was lucky enough to have been able to collaborate on some pieces with him, some not ever getting the chance to be finished. Art is what I have used to get through the grieving process. His family gave me many of his art supplies after he passed, and for the longest time, they felt like this gloomy little reminder until I decided to use them to make some of my favorite pieces of all time.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
So I work in many mediums, but if you ask my peers what I am known for, it is my heavy texture abstract floral pieces. I typically work in acrylics but often dabble in oil. Working in oil always gives me a great sense of pride. I feel it connects me with artists from centuries ago. What sets me apart from other artists is that I want viewers to become a part of my work. I love when viewers touch the artwork and get close to it. My favorite compliment from viewers is, “I’ve never seen anything like this before.” I’m always changing and trying new things. I love to try different mediums and see how I can merge everything I already know with new techniques and compositions. I have created 3D Art out of concrete, one of the most satisfying things I have made.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Everyone in my life has played a role in my career as an Artist. My biggest supporter has always been my mother. If you have ever seen me at an event, chances are very high you met her. She is my number one, and I don’t know what to do without her support. My friends have also been instrumental in my success. They come out and support me at events, purchase my artwork, and refer their families and friends to me. There is just not enough I can same about the wonderful people who support me. The Kansas City Artist community is vast, but I have to shout out the other Artists who have given me the strength to share my work with the world because I see them putting in the work too. There are many artists to admire in KC, and I hope to one day be one of them.

Contact Info:

• Website: lilmissjess.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilmissjess_creations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilmissjesscreations