Ask Me

How long have you been working as an artist and/or designer?

I was fortunate to have my senior baccalaureate show get picked up by a gallery right after graduating NDSU in 2009 and I’ve been a professional artist ever since.

What geographic regions do you work in?

I am based out of Bismarck, North Dakota. I’ve showcased my work throughout the United States and my work resides in public and private collections around the world.

In one or two sentences, what is the focus of your work?

My mixed media and oil on canvas work is strongly gestural and often large in scale. My work contains personal celebrations, struggles, joys, loves, and losses conveyed through the use of color, texture, and composition. Working with abstraction, I seek to imbue my work with a tangible essence while keeping it open for the viewers’ own response.

How did your education at NDSU prepare you to be an artist and/or designer?

My professors were great mentors to me. They were incredibly encouraging and pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. They truly rooted for my success and that support was invaluable. 

What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned here?

My team of advisers supported me in creating and preparing for my senior baccalaureate show as a student as if I was a professional artist. All the lessons I’ve learned through that process have proved to be incredibly valuable each time I have put on an exhibition ever since.

What advice do you have for current art and design students? 

Trust the process. Listen to your gut. Spend less time comparing other’s paths or timelines or art form to your own and spend more time honoring the unique gifts you have to offer the world. Follow your passions and remember it’s all about your perspective. 

See more of Jessica's work @ https://www.jessicawachter.com/paintings