Member Since: 2007 Media Specialties: Clay; City: Hamptonville State: North Carolina County: Yadkin County, NC Bio: "To be able to take an element of the earth that most people take for granted and transform a lump of mud into a piece of art it amazing to to me. Working with clay forms a spiritual connection between me and all the elements of creation...earth, air, water, and fire!" Jessica, a Greensboro native moved to the Yadkin county area 17 years ago. All aspects of the visual arts have been a major aspect throughout her life. From drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, multimedia, graphic design, and for the last 5 years her work has shifted to a primary medium; clay. "I have always had a deep desire to learn all I can in the fine arts in any medium that I could get my hands on!" Jessica had been a stay-at-home mom and after the birth of her youngest of three sons, only with the aid of scholarships, she began taking clay classes with Gaff Peirce at The Sawtooth Center in Winston Salem, NC. "Being at home with three boys was a 24 hour a day job, I wanted something for myself, even if only a few hours a week, my time at Sawtooth was a way for me to express myself through clay. Gaff and Sawtooth helped me to realize that although one may have a family to care for, one still must make time to nurture creativity and self-expression." When Jessica's youngest son, Caleb, was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer she had to put her studies on hold and focus on caring for her son but continued to work at her home when she could. "Working in clay was very therapeutic for me during a time when life was filled with fear and doubt, it gave me a way to escape the daily turmoil our family had to endure." In March of 2007, her son lost his two year battle with cancer and to help her cope with the loss, she immersed herself into her education in art. After previously attending Surry Community College studying Graphic Design, she returned to the college to study fine art, in which she focused primarily on ceramics. In 2007 she participated in Mentor/Apprentice program through the YVCG studying with Richard Montgomery, a Master Potter and AFA instructor at the college. After her first year and completing her apprenticeship, she was hired by the SCC to teach ceramics for the Continuing Education Program and continues to teach at the college. Jessica has won several awards for her art as a teenager and received an honorable mention in the 2nd Annual Clay Classic in 2007. Jessica continues to evolve in her forms and designs and continues to help her students to embrace their creativity through working with clay. Eventually she hopes to open her own studio and plans to continue to teach her students the joy of self expression through clay. Phone: 336-468-4236 Mobile: 336-671-4496 This Member's Galleries: This bio page has been viewed 2215 times.
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