Interview
After Every storm comes a rainbow with Jessica Durrant
Interview by Patrick Morgan
"Like magic really. And I knew at a young age, my hands had that magic but in a different way. I cannot sew to save my life. But that spirit of creativity at a young age really shaped me."
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When did you first get into drawing?
I started drawing around the age of 3/4. My earliest memories being on the floor with paper and drawing people, trees, flowers and dresses.
Why did you choose to make fashion part of your inspiration?
My Mother is a very talented seamstress. She can sew anything and was always sewing me custom dresses as a little girl. When she took me to the fabric store for the 1st time, to join her in her creative endeavours - I found out there were giant fashion illustration books filled with patterns illustrated. I remember sitting down and going through book by book, in complete awe. I knew I had found my passion. I wanted to be the girl who drew those dresses and dynamic illustrations. In a way, it's the talent my Mom did not have, but a way to carry on her creative legacy in a way. I loved seeing how she worked with her hands, and made what she wanted, when she wanted. Things that didn't exist, she could make appear. Like magic really. And I knew at a young age, my hands had that magic but in a different way. I cannot sew to save my life. But that spirit of creativity at a young age really shaped me.
What is your particular working day as a creative?
It's a juggle of doing logistical tasks like emails, taking work calls, painting & revising artwork for clients and brand work, and then creating what I want to create and sharing that on my social media. Every day is different, and I never know what fun project I'll be working on next. I'm always being challenged and feeling like I'm trying to grow and learn constantly. My love and passion for art and fashion has never diminished after all these years. Which really makes me grateful to continue to do this.
What tools do you use when creating your images?
I love working with my hands. I am a purist in the sense of where I start any artwork. I love to draw, paint with inks, gouaches and acrylics. And I scan everything-and now I'm obsessed with recomposing my artwork digitally to just think in a different way. I have been able to really find ideas either from the painting desk or using Photoshop with my scanned artworks and just PLAY. The layers you can take your work to-are endless. And I think once I started to tap into that, doors upon doors opened for me to unlock limited thinking about what my artwork could be or do.
Who are what has influenced you over the years as an artist?
So many people. I think having a really great art teacher in High School, Ms. Lyle who really believed in me-was monumental. As well, as the professors who taught me so many amazing skill sets when I studied illustration. I also love looking to the past-to help me get in touch on a deeper level with my creativity. Henri Toulouse Lautrec is my favourite illustrator. Not only because of his beautiful line work, but he painted women with a bit of sadness and melancholy - which is my favourite way to paint women. Mainly because, it's only through our vulnerability as women that we can become strong. And we are not these fragile creatures-we are much more strong than society has ever given us credit for.
It is a joy to paint women, and to show the many facets of who we are with paint. Women painting women is an entirely different way of creating art, than men painting women-which is how the art world has been dominated by for thousands of years. We need more perspectives showcased in the art world. And that's why I work so hard to empower women to create. I love that now, more illustrators are women than ever before. We need to be out there, blazing trails and using our voices.
What advice do you have for younger artists looking to be part of this industry?
You're going to be told no, and ignored and rejected a lot. BUT, you need to remember that you are here for a purpose. You have every right to get out there and make beautiful, amazing art. You are worthy. If you can practice self-love and self-belief, especially when the chips are down-you will succeed. After every storm comes a rainbow. Keep creating. We need you.
What are you drawing today? Music are you listening to? Books that your are reading? Favourite artist/designer at the moment?
I am currently working on a book with a very talented Emmy award winning fashion stylist for TV. I am very very excited about that. I'll probably do some work on that today, as well as play around with some ideas for new personal work.
I love anything by Wild Nothing. They are one of my favourite, chill indie bands.
I am reading a few different books-I recommend The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron to anyone needing a boost of positivity with their creativity. And a new way of thinking. I'm also reading Grit by Angela Duckworth.
I'm inspired by people who are using their platform to promote hope, positivity and creativity. Brandon Maxwell is one of my favorites. He did an incredibly beautiful runway show with the perfect energy we need moving into 2021. He also started a YouTube channel that's super inspiring for young designers.