It only took a few minutes after seeing a post of some of Jessica’s artwork to reach out to her and begin the process of getting my own custom painting by this emerging Calgary artist.
If you have seen her work on her instagram feed then you know what I am talking about. Jessica has this incredible way of painting the various coffee to-go cups from the beloved coffee shops in this city.
I reached out to Jessica to get to know a bit more about her story and how she got into painting.
Introduce yourself to the readers of thebloom.coffee–how long have you called Calgary home?
Hello everyone, my name is Jessica Walker, I am an 18 year old aspiring artist, and have recently started my online business on Instagram where I take commissions from anyone and everyone. I have worked with almost all mediums and I’m sure I could create whatever you come up with. I was born in Kelowna, BC and moved here when I was 3, and have called Calgary home since then.
Tell our readers about your journey into into visual arts? What is it that you love about this medium?
When I was growing up I always had this love for art and creating things that weren’t there before. So my parents put me in art classes in and out of school and participated in them for 11 years. I have always been surrounded by art, in all it’s forms.
Visual arts allow people to express themselves in ways that words or actions cannot and I believe that is why I have fallen in love with it. My current favourite medium to use is acrylic paint, but I also really enjoy embroidery and polymer clay.
What is it that you love about the arts culture here in Calgary?
The art culture here in Calgary has a different type of atmosphere than I have found in other areas. I find Calgary to have an unlimited array of art styles, ways of execution and it is truly astounding. The culture is extremely accepting and has an abstract vibe that makes you ponder the thoughts put behind the pieces.
Banksy said “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” This quote changed my perspective on art all together, and I thank Banksy for that.
How did you begin to paint to-go coffee cups?
My paintings of the to-go coffee cups have been incredibly loved lately by my followers. The first time I was introduced to this idea was when a friend messaged me asking for a similar 12 cup design she saw while in Los Angeles, and I was very intrigued by this idea.
They wanted the coffee cups to be from Calgary and they sent me a list of their favourite ones and gave me the freedom to the rest. It was so fun to create and everyone loved it, so much so that the next week I received 4 more orders for a similar concept, completely unique to them.
What is it that you love about coffee?
I never used to drink coffee, but I was constantly surrounded by it given that my father was, and still is drinking it all day, everyday. I believe I love coffee so much not only for the amazing flavours it can produce, but I have a sort of attachment to it. I would always wake up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee in my house, and whenever I got a whiff of it, it would remind me of my father.
I only recently started drinking coffee because I was in school and having a hard time staying awake and I knew that coffee is known for waking people up, so from there I had my first cup of coffee and it sparked a joy and a new feeling unlike any other drink or food I’ve had. It brings me comfort!
Anything else you want to share? How can our readers connect with you if they want to order a painting?
I would like to say thank you to Tyler and thebloom.coffee for giving me this platform to promote my business, and to say thank you for reading this.
If you are interested in placing an order with me, please go to my instagram account @jessica_walker_art
Message me and we can chat about it, and I will surely make something you’ll love.
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I am so glad that I had the chance to connect with Jessica and to get a custom painted piece for myself. She was super great to work with and if you’re looking for a really unique art piece definitely get in touch!
Stay Caffeinated,
Tyler
commonly coffee 