Interview
Jessica Dawn
Jessica Dawn resides in rural New South Wales in Australia. She has a Bachelor Degree in Fine Art at the National Art School in Darlinghurst, Australia graduating in 2009. She majored in Photography and was commended in receiving High Distinctions for Life Drawing. Changing her medium in 2022, Jessica Dawn has been intrigued on how to translate the artistry of traditional art mediums to the creative capabilities of the digital world.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I am an Australian Artist residing in rural New South Wales. I pursued my passion for the arts by studying my Bachelor of Fine Arts at the National Art School in Darlinghurst Sydney. My practice was discrete for years while I dedicated time to working and traveling, gaining new experiences that subtly influenced my artistic vision. About 18 months ago, I embarked on a new journey by self-teaching myself the skills of digital painting, a medium that has since allowed me to produce a more extensive body of work than I ever did before. It has been a transformative experience that led to the creation of my very own website, a digital space where I share my creative endeavors with the world. Immersing myself in the wider art community through my online store and social media platforms. Taking the leap to put myself out there online was the best thing I did for my art career, now living in a rural country town doesn’t feel so isolating any more. There are limitless opportunities and resources you can now access, and new options to produce my work. It feels very liberating.”
What inspires you?
“I find my creative spark starts with my profound love for photography. The act of studying a captured still moment through the lens allows you to see intricate details such as the play of light and the nuances of colour - elements that often shift and change too quickly for our naked eyes to fully and deeply perceive and appreciate in real-time. I truly relish the experience of observing these fine details and creating a study of them by drawing them meticulously by hand. I might come across a stunning photograph that not only evokes a profound sense of beauty but also presents elements that challenge me to capture and recreate them. I take pleasure in enhancing these elements in subtle yet impactful way, striving to recreate the subject’s unique allure in that fleeting moment.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My body of work is mostly composed of portraits. I like to concentrate on the intricate and subtle distinctions of human expression and the unique characteristics of each individual subject, bringing forward an intimate glimpse into their individuality. I also find a deep sense of joy and inspiration in any moment captured in time which evokes a sense of beauty and wonder. I have also completed still life compositions, affectionate animal portraits, and I have a deep appreciation for the serene and often majestic beauty found in landscapes. I apply the same thoughtful process and dedication to portraying these scenes in detail as I do with my other works. As well as a sense of beauty, my artwork strives to tell a story. I am particularly drawn to narrative artwork which possesses a somewhat theatrical quality. I love to combine elegance with a subtle touch of drama, or a unique point of difference.”
How would you describe your work?
“A fusion of traditional painterly aesthetics interlacing with the precision of modern photo-realism. The artworks capture their life-like and realistic appearance, yet they invite and encourage an even closer and more thorough inspection to see the intricate and enchanting changes of colour, and painterly strokes. Each piece of artwork I have meticulously studied every colour captured in time from that photograph or image and recreated each detail by hand with utmost attention to detail. The finished result is a combination of traditional and modern aesthetics of fine art, which aims to provide a timeless elegance.”
Which artists influence you most?
“If I were to list just a small selection of the artists who never fail to amaze me, I would certainly highlight some extraordinarily talented Australian artists: Tracey Moffatt, John Olsen, Rosemary Laing, and Margaret Olley. Each of these artists captivates me because I can see the immense passion and tremendous labour behind their stunning works, whether it be through Moffatt's powerful photographic narratives, Olsen's vibrant and dynamic landscapes, Laing's innovative and thought-provoking installations, or Olley's lush and evocative still life. What they have been able to achieve in their artistic journeys is truly inspiring and motivational, pushing the boundaries of their respective mediums and leaving a lasting impact on the art world.”
“I also find a deep sense of joy and inspiration in any moment captured in time which evokes a sense of beauty and wonder.”
What is your creative process like?
“I study the photograph which has inspired me, and I look for interesting aspects particularly light and colour. I then compose the work by completing thousands of individual and singular strokes, highlighting these details by choosing to do variations of strokes, each one subtly differing in colour, hue, and intensity. I often think to myself I have started something which is too ambitious for me to finish, as it can seem laborious and so time consuming, but to me the outcome does more than resemble photographs, I hope to achieve an enchanting vision of life within the artwork.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists, without a shadow of a doubt, will always have a fundamental and irreplaceable role in society; however, this role is continually evolving and adapting alongside the rapid advancements in technology. These technological innovations are opening new and exciting opportunities, allowing traditional art to engage in new and innovative ways. I can see resources for creating, showcasing, and selling art are growing, becoming far more accessible to artists, regardless of their geographic location, which is great for rural independent artist like me. Online platforms, social media, and digital marketplaces are providing artists with the tools and exposure they need to reach a wider audience than ever before. Although, artists need to be both motivated and disciplined to fully harness and make the most of these resources, like any entrepreneur. I believe it can be done and the blend of traditional artistic skills and modern technological savvy has led to extraordinary success for many artists I’ve seen.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“This year, I have broken my boundaries and have had a few of my works exhibited in prominent public showcases situated in cultural hubs like New York, London, and Las Vegas. It really excites me that these exhibitions offer viewers an unexpected experience, allowing them to engage with the art in a serendipitous manner. I love the thought that artistic creations have the potential to leave an indelible mark on someone's day, even simply by virtue of a chance encounter. The idea that a passerby might have their spirits lifted or their perspectives subtly shifted by seeing my art is an exciting opportunity. It brings me a great sense of fulfillment to know that a small piece of my artistic vision is being appreciated in such internationally acclaimed parts of the world.”
Website: www.jessicadawn.art
Instagram: @jessicadawn.art
