JessGo Gallery

Project: 250 Bowie
Neighbourhood: Caledonia Design Destrict

Can you tell us about your artistic journey? What inspired you to start creating, and how has your style evolved over the years?
My journey started at 17 years old with the sale of my first painting for $500. I thought I had won the jackpot and priced it based on what I would personally pay for the artwork. It was gorgeous, and I had worked on it many nights after school, even missing sleep because I was so excited to finish it. By that point, I had been painting for years and was eager to attend art school to further develop my skills and ambition as a painter.

Your work is vibrant and full of energy. How do you decide what story or emotion you want to convey with each piece?
Each piece is a piece of me. It’s my energy on the canvas in the most honest way possible, each stroke is honest and present, its the story of being, feminine and kind hearted, innocent and free, full of life and aliveness. The story is open to the reader and I like to keep it that way for there’s magic and mystery in everything. The imagination is a wild and awesome place to explore! 

What role does experimentation play in your creative process? How d o you balance risk-taking with your vision?
Experience and experimenting is everything. Literally, if I am not playing with paint and art then there is really no point to doing it.  I do have corporate clients that are pretty structured and that means I do have to tighten my style, all the while I am still creating and I can use tools to create fun or listen to the best music which also helps amp up any situation. 

“My journey started at 17 years old with the sale of my first painting for $500. I thought I had won the jackpot and priced it based on what I would personally pay for the artwork.”

Beltline Yards celebrate the spirit of making and creating. How do these ideas resonate with your artistic philosophy?
I am a maker and creator, in pure form. I stand for making things with my hands and keep it original and handmade, that is the most important aspect of my creation. 

As an artist working within Beltline Yards, how does the environment inspire your work?
I am inspired by surrounding businesses, colourful elements on the beltline and the new and improved trailers athat have been repaired for example… the beltline itself is a safe haven for me to gain inspo if I need a walk and cant get to a proper trail, it serves up an awesome pathway for some nature and downtime. 

What drew you to become part of this community, and how do you see your role shaping its identity?
I took a chance on this neighborhood in 2015 when the space was presented to me…. I thought OK here it goes, afraid to fail and hopeful to add vibrancy to the already established design district in Toronto, its been a whirlwind and an incredible part of my life as my gallery also became a venue that is thriving!

What advice would you give to emerging artists about cultivating creativity in their everyday lives?
No matter what you do there will be competition: so why not do what you love and stick to it. You will succeed. 

“No matter what you do there will be competition: so why not do what you love and stick to it. You will succeed. ”