Artist Profile: Jessica Gutiérrez
Jessica M. Gutiérrez is a self-taught Nicaraguan-American Watercolor and Mixed Media Artist residing in Madison, WI. Jessica’s work is enchanting, magical and vibrant. Her bold use of color, intuitive linework and flower-adorned subjects, create an energetic, emotional and authentic composition. Jessica tells visual stories of her healing journey and utilizes the creative process as a deeply personal healing practice. She is captivated by the pain and beauty that comes with the human experience, the wonder of creation in all of its manifestations, the importance of our ancestral stories and the resilience of the human spirit. Her exhibition Gifts from the Dark recently displayed at Art Lit Lab in Madison.
How does community encourage/inspire/sustain you as an artist?
From the beginning, community has been a key part of my journey and continues to sustain and inspire me today. In 2011 a few different communities supported what I would call my creative awakening: a group of well-established artists, the community from my intuitive program as well as family, friends and the broader social media landscape as a I was sharing my journey. That support evolved and has continued. When I look back, I think of organizations that brought me opportunities that brought connections, friendships, financial opportunities as well as a sense of belonging, programs such as: Hive Social Club, Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (Loud), the Madison Art Party, Dane Arts, The City of Madison and so many local businesses or vending event organizers that have reached out to me to present my artwork in their spaces. I also think of the people from the Madison community who I have met at each event. Most recently it has been the Art Lit Lab’s Bridge Work Program staff and the artists connected to that community.
All of this makes me think of how sometimes we can think we are alone but when we look up and reflect, we often see the words of those who encouraged us or their loving faces looking back at us. I’m clear I wouldn’t be where I am without all the communities who have supported me throughout my life. Every step of the way, these communities has been integral to my development as well as a sustaining force.
Would you be willing to share a bit about your creative practices?
Yes, my creative practices have recently taken quite a turn. Let me start at the beginning and move into the present.
The birthplace of my creative practice arrived at the intersection of my world falling apart, leading to both a healing crisis and a creative awakening. The short story is that a perfect storm of crises occurred while I was early in my career as a mental health therapist, while also being a young, single mom of a teenage boy while also completing a transformation bodywork program that included intuitive and spiritual healing practices with classes geared toward personal awakening. One of the key events that happened during this time is that I was physically injured at a part-time job and had to find new ways to process emotions and cope with enormous amounts of stress during this perfectly chaotic and stormy time.
This led to a rediscovery of how much I always wanted to be a visual artist. Because the healing arts were so central to my practice, I couldn’t separate this from my art practice. I found myself bringing these worlds together, drawing upon approaches of play, curiosity, wonder and fun as well as following my intuitive sense to choose materials and subject matter. I was also magnetized to vibrant colors and a mix of watercolors, ink and oil pastels. The subject matter that often inspired me, ended up being symbols of support for whatever I was going through in my life. This often was not a conscious choice and often felt like a powerful surprise.
About 7 years ago, something changed. I noticed something stirring in me. It felt like it was time to say more through my artwork. It also felt really stressful because I knew I would have to do some personal work in order to take this step. What started as a subtle feeling eventually became very loud and I decided to make more space in my life for art. The essence of the “stirring” is that I needed to be more open with my story and with who I am and this led me to the concept of visual storytelling.
At first this was very challenging and painful. Eventually, I realized that my healing background could balance what I intended to communicate while also bringing in art as a transformational healing practice.
Today, I draw upon healing practices from my work as a trauma-focused therapist and my intuitive healing background, to transform painful memories or periods of time. I utilize a balance of grounding and centering practices in my process while also listening to inner intuitive whispers or messages from the world around me. These come in all forms such as inspiration while in nature or a friend sharing something with me or even a song lyric. I consciously bring elements of play, wonder, curiosity, joy, lightness, and fun to balance any heaviness or to create something new. The work I’ve been creating is also influenced by a central practice I use as a therapist that involves parts work or ego state work that I also have found central to my own healing. I am traveling through time, to connect with younger versions of me and even of the younger parts of family members, bringing healing, possibility, resources and wisdom while also bringing gifts back to the present from the past. Ultimately, this is healing me and my hope is that it will bring healing and a relatable story to a broader audience.
What have been some highlights of the Bridge Work program that this opportunity has greeted you with?
The Bridge Work Program has come with many surprises! Looking back to when the program started, I had so many ideas that hadn’t been put on paper yet. These were ideas that had been brewing for 6 or more years. In 10 months’ time I’ve put most of the ideas into a whole new body of artwork that explores visual storytelling with personal themes related to immigration, identity, family and healing. This show comes from a deep place and has been personally transformative. Additionally, my approach and process has shifted considerably. I have expanded my watercolor practice into the world of collage utilizing such elements as original watercolor flowers and gel pen figures. Hints of what I’m talking about can be viewed in my more recent posts on Instagram.
For the rest of the program, my goal is to create as much art as I possibly can and prepare for the solo show. One of my biggest intentions during this time has been to find the words to discuss my artwork, process and who I am as an artist. The fellowship has provided a community of support for this and I feel so grateful to every single person who has offered their wisdom.
What are 2 to 3 exhibitions, concerts, books and/or book talks, spoken word events and/or films you’re hoping to check out this season in Wisconsin or virtually?
I am really excited to check out I AM A Man: The Re-humanization of Black Men curated by Sharon Bjyrd, as well as You Belong Here: Place, People, and Purpose in Latinx Photography at the Chazen Museum of Art.
I normally have more balance between art and the rest of my life but in order to express and create this body of work, I’ve needed to intentionally create a cocoon that includes a lot of solo time, inward focus, healing practices and very little socializing. I will also add that there is also a lot of fun, play, exploration, music and spirituality whirling around in this cocoon.
