Artist Profile – Jessica Ainsworth

By Sonia Isaacs Clark

EMBRACING the creative medium of painting later in life, Maleny based artist Jessica Ainsworth has spent the last few years on a joyful exploration of artistic expression. Her prolific output of work combines colour, humour and the absurd with thoughtful introspection and often a delightful dash of whimsy.
Jessica explained that it was COVID-19 that set her upon her painterly path back in 2019. No longer able to practice as a Ka Huna bodyworker, Jessica decided to retire at the age of 69 and shortly after joined a locally run art class. In was here that she discovered the world of acrylic delight, eventually settling into her own practice and exploration.
“It is this process of exploration that I find the most fascinating, not only learning new techniques, but the journey of self-exploration and the thought processes one can go through along the way,” said Jessica.
Describing herself as a figurative expressionist, Jessica explained that she approached her work in one of two vastly diverse ways. She said one approach involved a considerable amount of thought and inquiry, while the other way worked at a purely intuitive level where she would encourage of the layers of paint to “speak to her”, often with surprising results.
“I love working with my heart, hands and mind, and I think and sincerely hope that my works capture the energy of a subject,” explained Jessica.
“I endeavour to do this through the use of colour, texture, and often figurative movement.”
Jessica was one of the featured artists that opened her creative space to the public on March 26-27 as part of the Open Studios Sunshine Coast Hinterland Trails weekend. Jessica will be donating any sales over the Open Studio weekend to the Emergency Action Alliance to support the Ukraine crisis.
emergencyaction.org.au/ukraineemergencyappeal
To see more of her work, you can visit her Instagram page instagram.com/jessicaainsworth76/
For more about the Hinterland Art Trails and Open Studios Sunshine Coast head to openstudiossunshinecoast.com.au

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