Eleven Questions
Fantasy artist Jessica Roberts creates images
that take the viewer into another world; a world filled with fairies, mermaids, and magical beings. While viewing her
work you will find yourself saying, "Yes, I do believe in fairies." Come sit with us and find out what inspires
Jessica's creations.
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How long have you been creating art?
I have been creating art since before I really knew what it
was. Drawing and painting just kind of feel like second nature to me since a very young age. I remember being a kid and sitting
at the kitchen table drawing pictures of my cat while my big brother did ABC's homework.
What inspires your designs?
I am inspired by the world around me, and my emotions. When I see a tree, the ocean, a rainstorm,
some cool moss or a bug for example, I get filled with the wonder of nature. The funny thing is, I never draw what I see but
rather translate the emotions I feel into my drawings. I
am also inspired by other artists, it always amazes me that everyone has such a unique perspective and I feel inspired by
thoughts that I hadn't come up with on my own.
Are you self taught or formally educated?
Aside from the standard grade school art classes I am completely self taught. Unless you count watching
Bob Ross on PBS, and reading a lot of comic books!
I feel that my art is like a long journey, progressively changing and evolving at its own pace.
Do you work in one specific area or
just anywhere you find the space?
My
"office" is the dining room that is connected to my living room. I have a chest of drawers with a table top on it
as my art desk. I have one of those ergonomic chairs that you kneel on made out of memory foam, it's an absolute back
saver. I do most of my painting there, but for drawing and inking I usually grab a sketch pad and sit in a chair in front
of the TV.
In what ways do you
stretch yourself to make your work grow?
Sometimes,
when it seems as if I have been stuck in a rut I just stop doing any kind of art for a while, it may be a week or even a month
before I pick up a pencil again. When I get back to it, it seems like I have a new outlook and surprise myself with things
I can do. I love getting special requests from people.
It helps me try things I may not have and challenges me to come up with new way of doing things and stretch my creativity.
What artists, alive or dead, inspire
you?
Frank Frazetta, Bob Ross,
all comic books, Norman Rockwell, paintings of sailing ships, all of those lovely baroque and plump renaissance Lady's,
the human body.
Do you listen
to music while you create?
I never
really listen to music while I draw or paint, I usually have the TV going in the background on discovery channel.
What is the hardest part about being an
artist?
To me the hardest part
about being an artist is trying to get something across on paper and not be able to. I couldn't tell you how many times
I erase my entire page, or scrap an idea all-together. Sometimes you will see an updated version of an earlier work of mine
because my skill level at the time couldn't produce what I had in mind.
What is the major venue you use to sell your work?
EBay right now mostly, and word of mouth commissions. I would love to
get into some brick and mortar shops though!
What
advice would you give to beginning artists?
Create what
makes you happy. The whole reason we make art is to share a bit of ourselves with others. If you are not making
yourself happy, no one else will be happy with your work either.
Do you have a website or other contact information where buyers can reach you and/or view your work?
EBay user ID zzkittenzz , taking any
requests at zkittenzz@yahoo.com 
