Jessica Ruth Freedman
Victoria, B.C., Canada
“I am interested in the general nature of change in our world, the enduring essence of change, growth, and decay, and I look to involve this in my creative process through improvisation and welcoming imperfection.”
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Jessica Ruth Freedman’s (she/her/hers) early childhood was spent living on a Kibbutz in Israel, before settling in Calgary, Alberta. Fluently multi-lingual (English, French, Hebrew), Jessica grew up in a creative household with parents who were lovers of art and music and introduced Jessica to all forms of music, film, theatre, dance, and many kinds of visual art. As entrepreneurs, Jessica’s parents influenced her motto for life to be, "try anything, examine everything, have fun."
“I make art to practice creating the kind of world I want to live in. It's the process of creation itself which is akin to magic.” As her dream to become an artist began in early childhood, Jessica has spent years developing and changing her artistic style, from figurative, to abstract, to semi-abstract botanicals, she now integrates all past styles into her non-realism approach that offers the viewer a chance to bring their own experiences into the interpretation of her work. “Central to my work is the theme of rising above. This relates distinctly to my own physical and mental struggles, but also to my general optimistic outlook on life. As a spiritual person I continually look to elevate my own experiences to create more compassion, empathy and joy.”
“My inspirations come from the natural world around me - rocks, flowers, leaves. I am inspired by the surrealist art movement, notably Magritte, and his use of light against the dark.” For painting, she begins by washing a canvas in splatters and sweeps of acrylic ink either applied with a large brush or drywall spreading tool. For her pressed flower pieces, in the mid morning, after the dew has dried she gather flowers and leaves into basket, often followed along by her cat Lucy.
“I embrace chaos and decay as integral parts of my work, reflecting the natural processes that shape the environment. My flowers and forms aren’t perfect representations, and this adds depth and mystery to my work, inviting the viewer to contemplate the ever changing nature of life”. Jessica enjoys working with willow charcoal to draw organic and non-organic elements on her paintings. “The willow charcoal often breaks in interesting places, and leaves unscripted marks and directions. It's that story of the artist planning while the art supplies laugh.”
For her larger abstract works, they can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how successful her harvest of organic materials is, and her reworking of compositions to find the most satisfying pattern on canvas. “I love it when people feel moved by my work, or by the fact that I am an artist. I believe everyone is creative in their own ways. I love that art makes me slow down and notice things.”
Jessica’s diagnosis of Vestibular Migraines, a type of chronic migraine that causes persistent dizziness, balance, and motion and light sensitivity, has resulted in her giving up her diverse career history in logistics and advocacy in non-profit health organizations. As her condition progressed, Jessica also worried that the opportunity of full time art-making would be over.
Jessica’s tenacity, however, reminded her that “being a creative person has meant being a creative problem solver. I look at challenges as an opportunity to rest and reflect, or pivot and proceed.” Grateful for the support of her husband and children in their commitment to pursuing her dreams, Jessica is excited at the advocacy possibilities partnering with ArtLifting will allow her to explore.
Through her life experiences, Jessica has learned valuable lessons that will serve her well in her new explorations into disability advocacy and keeping her creative spirit flourishing. “Allow for human frailty. Every step is a path on the journey; enjoy but keep moving forward.”
