Artist Interviews 2021

Jessica Gabriella Jerskey  
By Julia Annabel Siedenburg



Jessica Gabriella Jerskey is a very talented woman who focuses on the female form and flowers mostly. Her drawings vary between beautiful, sensual and mostly one-line drawings as well as creative mix media pieces.

I have seen people trying to do similar work but hers is by far the best. Am I a huge fan of hers? YES! She inspires me with her work in so many ways. Every piece tells a story and conveys a mood. She is a very dear friend of mine and I am beyond happy to share her process here with you all.



You’re beautiful sensual art varieties from single line drawings and mix media to watercolor pieces. How does your process look like?

It takes a while actually! As minimal as my art appears to be, the process typically involves me trying to get an idea/image just right about 20 times before I am happy with the end result. I always start with faces when I am drawing humans.



People and plants are your main focus. Why is that?

I would say that WOMEN and plants are my main focus. I think the reason for that is because both are what I know. I find it more organic to draw or paint a woman vs. a man and that doesn’t mean I am not up for the mediums (especially in their true and natural state). I surround myself with plants in my house so I suppose you could say that they are also “what I know”.



What are some artists that inspire and motivate you?

I am heavily inspired and motivated by Egon Schiele. He is by far my favorite artist. The Japanese artist, Kun Fukai is also a favorite. He illustrated the 70’s Pinku film. No Sadness for Belladonna, I also love Mark Rothko, who uses colors and size to evoke emotion. I am interested in exploring his style, and have already begun with some pieces.

Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up and how did you get to where you are today?

I was born in the UK and raised in Saudi Arabia. My father worked for an oil company, which transferred us to the KSA back in the early 90’s. I have slowly made my way across the world from east to west, and I have finally ended up as far as I’m willing to get west, haha. I chose LA because it felt like a land of creative opportunity and inspiration. It was either LA or NYC. LA was cheaper.



Which is one of your favorite pieces you ever made and why?

One of my favorite pieces I’ve ever made would probably be an illustration I made 5 years ago. It’s a hybrid single line illustration/watercolor painting. Two silhouetted faces, kissing. I loved how I was able to create such a sense of passion and feeling with simple lines and a small hint warm color.



Talk about some proud moments in your art career.

My art shows! I’ve only had a handful in my life, but they are definitely my most proud moments. Oh and also, selling artwork to a network TV show! That was pretty validating.



What is planned in the future? What is next for you?

I want to continue to explore different styles and forms of art and push push push push my art into the world. I hope that once the world “ goes back to normal” I can have another art show! I have so much to share ☺.