In conversation with Jessie Feitosa
From collecting bottles while working in hospitality, to using those bottles as subjects in her paintings, Adelaide-based artist Jessie Feitosa shares her creative journey and the reality of being a full-time creative.
How did you get started as an artist? Were you always creative growing up?
There’s always been a little artist in me. Growing up, drawing was my thing.
As an adult the passion to be an artist continued to stir in me; I’m grateful that it never left me, so I finally gave it the time it needed and I took the leap… I started to explore and draw on that daunting blank canvas.
What was the journey like in becoming a full-time artist? Do you have any advice for other artists wanting to go full-time?
I’m happy to say I’m a full time artist now, but I didn’t jump in and quit my day job and my responsibilities. It was a slow process. I decided to make time for my art practice and that’s what my advice for other artists wanting to go full-time would be – make sure you have steady income or financial support. And show up on instagram. This really opened up doors of opportunity for me and I made many good connections which led to my first gallery representation with Art to Art Melbourne.
What advice do you have for getting artwork into stockists and exhibitions?
The world is at your fingertips. Literally. You can engage with anyone anywhere in the world on your phone. For me, having opportunities to show my art with amazing stockists and galleries is because of the engagement on Instagram and liking posts and commenting on their account. It gets your name out there and starts a warm conversation. You don’t want to go in cold like, I have been following your Instagram for 30 seconds, can I show my art with you? No. That’s a conversation for later.
How did you find your painting ‘style’?
I found my painting style by just playing, exploring and failing. I worked in hospitality for many years. I started to bring home the empty gin bottles and style them with some fruit in a still life set up and I started to paint.
How does each piece come to life? How do you know when each piece is ‘finished’?
With my paintings I start with the darker colours first and work my way up to the highlights, which really brings a piece to life. I say my painting is finished when it feels resolved and I like the colours and the composition.
“I worked in hospitality for many years. I started to bring home the empty gin bottles and style them with some fruit in a still life set up and I started to paint.”
What inspires your work?
What inspires my work is my other love for interior design – seeing beautiful paintings in homes. I’m also inspired by the everyday moments and I try to capture them within my art; as an example, a simple plate of freshly chuckled oysters. Doesn’t it take you back to a moment where you enjoyed them and the company you had?
What does a typical day for you look like as an artist?
My day always starts with coffee, then kids stuff and household stuff. If I can get both my kids napping at about 1:30pm, it’s go time – I’m on. I know exactly what I’m showing up for in the studio and I use my time wisely for the one or two hours. Then it’s back to the kids and house stuff. I will get another couple of hours painting time at night.
“What I love most about art is it’s kind of like art therapy. I can be working on my paintings and I can be at peace.”
Do you have any mentors in the art space?
It’s good to have support in the art world. It can be a lonely process. I have a couple of go-to artists I talk to everyday and catch up with regularly. I have a mentor in the way of business and art – Suz Chadwick.
What do you love most about being an artist?
What I love most about art is it’s kind of like art therapy. I can be working on my paintings and I can be at peace. I enjoy the whole process from making the art to seeing the finished painting styled in a beautiful home.
Any advice for artists juggling creativity and motherhood?
I’m currently in a season of sacrifice with motherhood and that comes first. I’m grateful I can have my kids and work at home. You have to be super organised, balanced and motivated. It doesn’t always go to plan, but I try to show up for my art every day. Even if it’s just a small way, like painting the background or the sides of a canvas, or even just being in my home studio working out what I have to get done so when I do get time, I can go straight to work. I’m currently utilising my husband a lot more at the moment because I’m working towards a couple of big shows. I need him to allow me as much time as possible in the studio.
What’s next for you?
I have an exhibition in December with Jumbled and an exhibition in January with Michael Reid Murrurundi.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Just some final words of encouragement: show up afraid and take more risks. Let your excitement be greater than your fear.
Adelaide, Australia
