Art & Life with Jess Wolf

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

Jess, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born and raised in Prescott, Arizona which is somewhat of a cultural air bubble. Art has always been one of my primary loves, but academics came naturally to me and I had a tendency to excel in school which resulted in a full scholarship to any Arizona university. My first week of college had me staring in the face of a mental breakdown because I… couldn’t do it anymore. I love learning but I could not fathom another five to ten years studying, going through the motions and walking the straight line that was expected of me. So, I dropped out and started over.

I’d love to say that I jumped right in to making art but I still had a lot of layers of conditioning to peel off and I had a hard time trusting that my work was any good. It took years of strange jobs, random classes, three kids and multiple cities, but I found my footing in 2015 and there has been no looking back.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
When I was a child in school, I’d find myself staring at the teacher’s face as she’d speak. My eyes would lock and zoom in on her face until I’d see nothing but a single field of color. I lost my zooming superpowers some time ago, but I think this shaped some of my artistic vision, as portraits and color tend to be a big part of my primary focus. I’ve always been fascinated by people and their faces and love color manipulation.

I aim to constantly experiment with media and application. While most of my work is on canvas, I’ve branched out on paper, panel, and expired Polaroid film. I don’t typically attempt to convey a specific message through my artwork. It’s therapy, a way of exploring myself and leaving my mark. When I’m able to work through it, my desire is to create a product with a quirky aesthetic beauty that enhances the space it occupies. I paint over or destroy a lot of old work in efforts to eliminate preciousness, be conservative with materials, and push myself forward.

As for why I create art, it’s one of the few ways I’m able to express myself and I’m lucky enough to live in a time and place that I can. I hope it makes people feel- anything. To engage a response of any sort, especially in today’s overstimulated and desensitized world, is a gift. I was told by my high school art mentor that my artwork is “not for the faint of heart.” It’s raw, weird, and real.

What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
In my view, artists exist sheerly because they are, not because of the circumstances around them. We don’t have a role that can be clearly defined and there’s nothing to prove. I try to not take myself making art in this world too seriously. Of course, I want to be aware and progressive and contribute the best I can, but maybe in a less obvious way. Art is my own personal heaven and hell from within that I work through to come out on the other end a better person so that I can more effectively enhance the world around me. I understand the desire to make one’s art into a statement that addresses current affairs, but I think the most power is sourced from a quiet, inward place that elevates its surroundings simply by existing.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’ve done quite a few exhibitions at various businesses and galleries in Prescott and Phoenix, but right now I’m in a real transitional phase of my life so I’ve been even worse than normal about promoting my work. The only platform I’m using currently is Instagram (@jesswolf333) and most of the work I feature is available for purchase. I do direct sales more often than not and can always be reached through my email (jjwolf333@gmail.com) for commissions or enquiries.

Contact Info:

• Email: jjwolf333@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesswolf333/?hl=en

Image Credit:
All photos by Jess Wolf.

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