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Q1 Could you tell us how did you get involved in art? Do you have mentors? If so, who are they?
I have been an artist all my life. When I was a kid I would draw big patterned posters, make handmade books, cards for every holiday, decorate my bedroom walls with artwork I'd done... it's ingrained in me. I went to Ithaca College and earned a BFA, and I began my career as an artist shortly thereafter. When I was accepted to my first show in 2003, I started my business as an independent artist. |
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I have many people that I go to for mentoring—many of them in the blogging community. I love the support there. You can find all the help you need! Also, my dear friend Caroline Douglas (http://www.carolinedoulas.net) is a mentor of sorts. She is such an inspiration and always there with encouraging words.
Q2 What was your best experience in designing?
My best experience in designing is when I'm in my studio by myself, listening to music, working on something that I'm really excited about. That's when I can lose track of time, and it is so, so satisfying to be really involved in creating something with my hands, letting go of the worry around it, and just PLAYING. Also, I think a major part of it for me is seeing how people react to my work. I love when someone's face lights up when they're looking at one of my pieces. It is so gratifying to know I am helping to make people happy through my work. |
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Q5 What projects you are currently working on?
I am currently getting ready for a show here in Atlanta, Georgia called Indie Craft Experience (http://www.ice-atlanta.com). I am creating smaller paintings on wood as well as prints on wood covered with shiny resin. I am also in the planning stages of applying for some larger shows for 2009. I am also currently adding graphic design work to my list of offerings, and welcome any projects in need of a designer. |
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Q6 What does your average day entail? Could you explain?
My days are so varied, because I run all aspects of my business. I try to paint at least a little bit every day, and I post several times on my blog, answer emails, package and ship out etsy prints. I usually spend a couple hours a day on outside projects as well (design work). Other things that often take time during the day are bookkeeping, researching new markets and spaces in which to submit my work, updating my etsy shop, going out to buy new supplies, and updating my website.
Q7 Is there a dream project that you would like to do?
I would love it if my work spanned many different forms, from illustrations in big-time publications to pattern design for fabric and wallpaper. I guess my dream project is just to do it all! Something else I would love to do is to travel around the world and document my travels through art. I'd love to create a book that is a sort-of art travel journal. That would be incredible. |
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Jessica Gonacha is an artist and designer in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Since the time she was a tiny girl growing up in Boulder, Colorado, she has been a maker of things, always hungry for new knowledge and new ways to express the images in her mind.
Jessica began her career as an independent artist in 2003, after graduating from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York in 2002 with a BFA. She works in a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, printing, and digital work, and her artwork is vibrant and quirky, delightful and full of imagination. Jessica has exhibited her work in many shows nationally and is enjoying a growing following and popularity.
She is currently expanding her offerings to include pattern design and illustration work, and you can see more of her work on her website: www.jessgonacha.com, her blog: www.jessgonacha.blogspot.com, and her etsy shop: www.jessgonacha.etsy.com |
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Q3 Could you describe what your designing process is like?
Usually my designing process starts with me sitting in front of a blank piece of wood or paper, waiting for something to appear in my head. I look at a lot of images in books and online, too—I never know when something is going to strike a chord and create an image in my head that will become a painting. Once I have an idea, I gather any materials I'll need to use for reference (photos, drawings, etc), and get to work. Often my pieces involve several steps—linoleum block printing, drawing with ink, waiting for things to dry... Often I have several pieces going at once.
Q4 Could you tell us how do you like your work space? What does it look like?
My work space is not ideal at the moment because it's to small! I use a spare room in the apartment I share with my fiancé, and I would love to eventually have more space. |
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| My space is filled with a variety of things: bins of paper, glitter, hand-carved stamps, and paint, my sewing machine, my desk with computer and scanner, several tables, shelves of books, my gocco printer, an inspiration board above my desk full of images I love, and piles of wood. The closets are packed full of supplies, too! |
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Q8 Who is your favorite artist?
There are too many to list! Currently my favorites are John Solimine (Spike Press) (http://www.spikepress.com),
Hilary Williams (http://www.hilaryatthecircus.com),
Christina Romeo (http://christina-romeo.com/),
Marcus Oakley (http://www.marcusoakley.com/),
daria tessler (http://www.animalsleepstories.com/), and Egon Schiele.
Q9 What is your future vision?
My future vision is to be making art full time and traveling around the world. I would like to have illustrations in publications world-wide and show work internationally. I would love to have a range of products available, from paintings to textiles to wallpaper. So much to do in this lifetime!
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Q10 Would you like to add anything for your Japanese fans?
I am so excited to be entering into the Japanese arena! Japan is one of the places I would love to visit the most, and I hope to be able to do so one day. I would love to hear any comments from people in Japan about my work, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be interviewed in this magazine! Thank you so much. |
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