Feature Friday: Jes Hooper Pyrography and Pointillism Art

Where are you from?

I am from Brighton on the South Coast of England. I live there with my partner and my adopted greyhound Dylan. 

Where do you currently practice your artwork?

I work from my home studio and also from my workshop in the Sussex countryside. I like to split my time between 

my illustrations on paper and my woodwork-it is a great combo of messy and tidy work!

Are you self taught or have you completed any training?

I am a self-taught artist. I began pyrography as a hobby in November 2015 when my partner (who is a carpenter) 

bought me a hobby kit as a gift. He wanted to help me keep positive during a hard time of unemployment. 

I posted some photos on instagram of my progress and people began contacting me for commissions 

and asking to purchase my work. It took off from there and I went self employed in February this year.

How would you describe your artwork/process?

I would describe my artwork process as "zen". The majority of my artwork is made using "pointillism", 

whereby I apply thousands upon thousands of dots which blur in the viewers eye to form complex images of animals. 

This is a very labour intensive and time consuming process however I get lost in my work listening to music and pondering about life. It's all the admin and marketing that goes with the job of self employed artist that I find a little less relaxing!

What is your biggest influence/inspiration?

My biggest influence/inspiration for my artwork is the emotion of animals. I try to capture the animals personality, 

whether it is the aged wrinkled face of an elephant or the relationship between two turtles swimming through the 

ocean current. I also love 'Finding Nemo' by Pixar, so that helped with inspiring my 'Ocean Oak' collection!

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment I am about to start another large oak piece; two elephants with entwined trunks. I have been looking 

forward to this piece after spending the past two months creating two entirely new ranges of tote bags and greetings 

cards. I have missed working with timber, and look forward to sharing my progress on instagram.

Where can people see your work?

I currently have my work in several places online and in-store. 

Online you can find my work on Etsy, my website gallery & shop, and Things British retail store. 

I also sell through Things British in their retail shop in Chapham Docks in Kent. In Brighton you can find my work 

at The Old Tree Cafe, The Oriental Hotel and Thomas Rainsford Art Gallery. I will also be showing my work as a 

guest artist at this years Open Houses Exhibition in Brighton (dates and venue to be released soon via my website).

Jes Hooper Pyrography and Pointillism Art

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Feature Friday: Chloe Giordano Embroidery

Where are you from?

I'm originally from Buckinghamshire, England, but I've lived in Oxford for the last couple of years.

Where do you currently practice your artwork?

I work from home, I do well having everything together so I can pick something up again if I suddenly get an idea (and someone has to keep the dog company).

 

Are you self taught or have you completed any training?

I have a degree in illustration from the University of the West of England, but taught myself to sew in my last year and have continued exploring this medium by myself since.

How would you describe your artwork/process?

My previous study of traditional illustration comes in handy here, I always start work from a detailed drawing I've put together after studying some references, all things I learned to do when working with pencil and paint. Once I'm happy with the drawing I begin the embroidery, usually starting from the nose and working out, packing the stitches together to create that 'solid' appearance I like to aim for.

What is your biggest influence/inspiration?

Probably the natural world, I occasionally stray out into other areas but always find myself back looking at animals and plants. I collect nature guides and look through them a lot for inspiration.

 

To see more of Chloe's beautiful work you can follow her here:

www.facebook.com/chloegiordanoillustration

www.chloegiordano.com

www.karenin.tumblr.com

If you are interested in showcasing your work click here to find out more!