Of all the things I’ve learned through art, I believe the primary is this: never be afraid to get weird. In fact, often I have to trick myself into believing an idea is completely crazy, out-there, and totally unfeasible in order to create something halfway decent. I find the thing I think could never be successful, but is somehow calling my name, and I try it. It’s a form of risk-taking that I’ve learned to abide by. I’ve even encouraged my students to try it! Art holds the space for anything to be tried, and worked with, and accepted.

This week, I tried to do some artwork with fashion photos from magazines — it failed. I tried some beds and chairs - it worked! I tried a penguin for the holidays - it failed. I tried this tiny whale that had been calling my name - it worked! What most artists will never tell you is how many times they’ve tried old ideas, the go-to places, or just things that didn’t work… before they came up with something successful. It’s the way of the world, it’s beyond us. We’re just here to craft it. ;) I hope you enjoy these new works, on view at my Instagram page J._Heloise (& follow me!).

xoxo Jackie