2023 starts with Galleries

What a great start to 2023! My work has been showing in the Fabrication district of Dallas, and my students work has been showing in Downtown Dallas. Thanks to Blue Print gallery for inviting us to showcase our top talent.

I’m happy to say that I’m back in the studio creating, and applying to open calls. Applying to open calls can be stressful, time consuming, and awkward. It requires filling out artist statements, sharing new work, processing ideas and putting yourself out there. I used to apply to an open call at least twice a month, which can be a lot of money wasted and time spent never hearing from someone. I don’t know if I will keep applying that frequently, I think i’d like to be more selective about where I send my art out to but i’m not sure yet.

I can’t wait to see where the rest of this year is headed, but so far its a strong start!

Visitor views artwork by Jessica Raff

Bringing back the sketchbook

Sketchbook page 2023

In undergrad at Fresno State I worked in a sketchbook nonstop. It kept my lecture notes, drawings, thoughts, inspirations, ideas. In graduate school I still kept a sketchbook but I was challenged to leave it, that it wasn’t necessary, and that I should work bigger and away from it.

I think this was a big mistake for me. Sketchbooks are tangible places where I can see the beautiful, weird creative things that fascinate me.

In bringing back my sketchbook, i’m bringing back weird ideas. Interesting characters. Research and concept lived there. I’m looking forward to bringing it back, documenting, storing things, and then turning those pages into pieces of art.