Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Locklar.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I discovered a talent for drawing and painting in grade school which lead to me studying art education and then changing my major to studio art. I then went on to earn my MFA in painting from SCAD. which lead to me teaching and taking commission work, and now I find myself an apprentice in a woman-owned and operated Tattoo Studio/boutique/art gallery called Empire Arts Gallery in Kirkwood!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel I’ve grown these past few years as an artist, transmuting my past trauma into something beautiful to look at (though maybe painful to see). I feel like when I look at my work over the years, I can really see where I was at in my journey of identity and acceptance. In my recent work, I can even see a bit of fun and humor, which really shows me how much I am healing. It’s so exciting to see! This may sound odd to you, you’re probably thinking, “you make the work, how are you not aware of what you’re doing and saying with it?” Well. Sometimes I feel disconnected, or like.. my artwork has mind of its own, or perhaps it is my subconscious showing itself while my conscious mind is willfully ignorant of the uncomfortable aspects of my life and my subconscious is screaming at me through my artwork “THIS IS WHERE WE ARE NOW!” It has been a long, arduous journey with many, MANY stalls, pitfalls and disappointments, but I have had some wonderful highs as well. I feel as though without the support of arts advocate Lynne Tanzer, I would not have had the chance to really be embraced by the art community and met so many brilliant and skilled people.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a painter, teacher, and tattoo apprentice. I am interested in identity and portraiture, I am known for my (what I like to call) – sexy sad girls. I feel like I have a real skill at depicting the… well, the soul of the individual I am painting.
I am proud of myself for not giving up. For remaining soft, trusting and kind when I haven’t been shown the same.
I am proud to be a vessel of love. A wave of love.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Sitting in the same rocking chair as my grandmother, who I called Gaga. We are snapping beans on the front porch. I am safe, loved, and held close.
Contact Info:
- Email: jessicalocklar@empireartsgallery.com
- Website: jessicalocklar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica_locklar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaLocklarPainter/
