jessica cooper

Art, Painting

Suggested by Jane Andersen

“Jess is an amazing artist who gets her inspiration from growing up in Cornwall. A member of the Royal West of England Academy, the Newlyn Society of Artists, and associate member of the Penwith Society of Arts, Jess also coordinated the educational programme at Newlyn Art Gallery in 1997. After an Art Foundation in Falmouth and a Fine Art and Textiles degree at Goldsmiths, London, she returned to Cornwall to paint and teach.

Jess’ paintings, created using acrylic and pen on canvas, have been likened to Haiku, conveying substantial meaning with a few well-considered lines. One critic noted her work possesses “an authority and maturity of line filled with promise.” The titles of her pieces, such as ‘Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flowers’ and ‘All of My Friends at Once,’ are as carefully chosen as the still lives she creates.”

This extract from an interview at the Cube Gallery, London reveals the influence Cornwall on her work:

“Where I was brought up is a defining and constant influence. As a child in a hamlet on the north coast, other than playing outside on the beach, in the garden or the surrounding moorlands, the only things to do were read, sew or to draw. I remember on rainy days, the kitchen table being covered with coloured pens, pencils and paper, button boxes and fabrics.  The house had two huge plate glass windows with wide ledges where you could sit - they remind me now of two framed paintings. I spent hours curled up on the sill, looking out at the wild moors on one side and the Atlantic sea on the other”

Jane continues,
“I met Jess’ mother when she was pregnant so I have known Jess since before she was born. She was an enchanting child and is an exceptionally creative and talented adult.”