Jess Hedum Biography I am privileged enough to live in a beautiful, historical, Victorian beach town and yet the only time I truly feel alive is when I am painting. I paint to understand, cope and emphasize on the world around me. A goal I have always strived for is to bring fulfillment to every person that views my work. A lot of my work is based off of photography I have taken around Cape May, NJ. I aim to give people a different perspective of everyday scenes, objects and life. I find nature to be so unique, inspiring and beautiful. Something so timeless is captured in a still painting forever. My paintings are made from simulated texture that comes together uniquely for everyone. Works involve visually pleasing painted perspectives and physically comforting sensory factors. Creating was an escape as a young child and only grew to be a part of who I genuinely am today. Despite my paintings having an inspiration I do not try to convey a specific message through them. When I create a piece of art, I am painting a feeling, memory, or learning experience of mine. Art should speak for itself when conveying such a statement. Nothing is right or wrong, but exactly what you personally see and experience. Artistic Statement I am an aspiring artist located in Cape May, NJ striving to bring fine art back as a modern day necessity. Every work that is completed has been given all of my dedication, love, and time. I am privileged enough to live in a historical, Victorian beach town, yet the only time I truly feel alive is when I am painting. I paint to understand, cope, and emphasize on the world around me. A goal I have always strived for is to bring fulfillment to every person that views my work. My paintings are made from simulated texture that comes together uniquely for everyone. Works involve visually pleasing painted perspectives and physically comforting sensory factors. Painting for me is purely for the joy of creating and allowing others to experience art in their own way. Creating was an escape when I was a young child and only grew to be a part of who I am today. When I create a piece of art, I am portraying a feeling, memory, or learning experience. Art should speak for itself when conveying such a statement. The message for each piece that I create is something different for each viewer. My work is meant to spark emotions and allow the viewer to make their own connections based on their own experiences. Nothing is right or wrong, but exactly what you personally see or feel. Through my studies of both art and psychology I have developed a series of sensory paintings that allow people to physically feel my art. As a child, you are always told not to touch the art in museums, but through my learnings I have found that not only viewing but feeling art can be very soothing to those that are on the spectrum, have PTSD or any form of mental illness. I aim to continue to create work for all to be able to enjoy, connect and relate to. I am drawn to creating large-scale landscapes and still-lifes, whether on canvas or within murals. I love showcasing the world’s natural beauty. Recently, I have been creating outdoor installations based around social justice issues. When there are no words, art speaks volumes. With these issues so prevalent in the world today, it is important to support and give those the platform and attention they deserve. I will forever be an art activist striving for success in social justice work as well as creating a conversation around mental illness. For me, my art is a form of my own therapy. Art Therapy.