It’s hard work. It takes patience and dedication. Don’t give up. No excuses. Do it every day — it’s a constant lesson in time management. And then you have the business side of your art career.
As a part of our series about “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist” I had the pleasure of interviewing Jessie Read.
Jessie Read, contemporary abstract painter, Jessie Read Art (www.JessieReadArt.com)
Jessie Read (www.JessieReadArt.com) is a contemporary abstract artist who credits her vast exposure to luscious European and South American landscapes as her inspiration to create works of art that are a playful balance between depth and intrigue. Born in Florence, and now based in Philadelphia, she works primarily on canvas and paper using variations of dry media and acrylic paints. She often starts her pieces painting exclusively in black and white, then adding color variations to pursue a harmony in her work through radical experimentation, gestural strokes, and expressive use of empty space.
Her current works of art include her Numbers Series, White Series, Originals, and Prints, offering art collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to explore and collect these beautiful pieces that evoke a precarious balance of uninhabited creativity and technical precision.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I was born in Florence, Italy. My father is an artist, he was studying overseas. Since before I could speak, I was surrounded by art. I went to pre-school in Majorca, then we moved to France for a few years. My parents brought me to the U.S. when I was 5 years old. I grew up in Oyster Bay, Long Island. I am the oldest with 3 younger brothers. I attended schools on Long Island and schools in New England. I graduated from the University of Vermont in 1997. I believe as a result of my travels and experiences, I have always been comfortable with a wide range of forms of expression, including language, architecture, arts and music.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
After graduating from college, I moved to NYC. I wanted to work in a museum or an art gallery. My parents asked me how I thought I was going to pay NYC rent making $3/hour, so I worked in finance. I loved my jobs, but I missed my art. I moved to Rio de Janeiro for a year. I travelled through South America, and went to museums and galleries as often as I could. When I returned to the US, the job market was tough. I was back in finance still longing to find a path to a career in the art world. I started painting again after the last firm I was working for closed its doors.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
(The most interesting story) doesn’t have words, I paint it. It’s my story, and I’m still living it.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I am very excited to be moving into a new studio space. I have learned that if I can see everything and access everything easily, I can focus on painting. I will need good lighting, a rolling cart and lots of open shelves. I’m currently in search of an old baker’s rack. Adjustable shelves and wheels give me many options.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Sally Baker, owner of Le Bazar Coastal, her marketplace, inspired by her time spent by the seaside markets of France. I met Sally a few years ago through mutual friends who consistently and constantly told each of us that ‘you two HAVE to meet’. We met, and they were all very right. Sally’s passion and creativity have helped make her a successful business woman. Her kindness and communication make her an exceptional mother. Her curiosity and her adaptability make her better at both. And her easygoing nature makes her Sally. Sally and I can, and we do, talk for hours about anything from color palettes to travel to music to new project ideas (her-LBC or me-JTR). There’s an honesty you don’t find everywhere. That’s interesting.
Where do you draw inspiration from? Can you share a story about that?
I was recently divorced. My son, age 3 at the time, and I moved into our new house. He was nervous to sleep in his new bedroom down the hall from mine. So, I got out some paint, we took off our shoes and we made footprints from his bedroom to mine — just in case he woke up and needed to find me. I will always say my favorite time is when I am creating something with my kids. They are older now, so I have created some pieces with some of their own artwork mixed in, sometimes obviously, sometimes not too obviously. My kids constantly inspire me (to be a better me).
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
Some of the best advice I can pass along is to talk to other artists. They are the best sources of information and advice. They have been there before.
Lighting is really important. Whether working in the studio, showing in a gallery or displaying in your home, the proper lighting makes a huge difference. Check out Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting
finearthl.com I am obsessed with their Diamantina round pendant light.
Create a social media account. Communicate with other artists online and build a strong community and loyal following.
Keep learning. Read about art, art history, artists you love, artist you hate (you can learn a lot from even those you don’t think you like). Try new techniques. Use your opposite hand. Flip your canvas. Determine when less is more. Learn when to stop.
It’s hard work. It takes patience and dedication. Don’t give up. No excuses. Do it every day — it’s a constant lesson in time management. And then you have the business side of your art career.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
I am always honored to donate my artwork to Make-A-Wish. Through volunteers, supporters, and donors, Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. These wishes can give these children the hope and strength the need as they battle their illnesses, and a life changing experience that is never forgotten.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I don’t think there is one country where men and women share equal rights completely. From the need to equalize educational, political, and professional opportunities, to putting an end to violence against women; the world needs to do better. I wish I could inspire men and women, boys and girls to paint this message everywhere.
We have been blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she just might see this.
Dead or alive?
-Lee Krasner, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, Elaine de Kooning. The Ninth Street women because they are the Ninth Street women.
-Jimmy Fallon. He can sing, he can dance, he can act, he’s funny and he likes the Yankees. I wonder if he can paint.
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
Readers can find me at jessiereadart.com
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
Jessie Read: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.