Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Gorlicky.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Canadian born and raised in Toronto. I’ve had the blessing of growing up in a very multi-cultural city with lots of energetic and colourful differences. Being inspired by dance, movement of all kinds, language (speaking four languages I’ve taught myself) and traveling the world at a young age has always been my destiny and my dream. I was a young artist, painting and drawing was a fun escape from reality in my teens, and selling my first painting for $500 at 17 over 20 years ago still resonates with me today. I hustled hard during my 20’s, performing live art and speed painting in front of major audiences by the time I was 25 and started my full-time artist career then. It’s been a wild ride, once my art collections started to form and my huge exhibitions started to catch attention from collectors, art curious individuals, the clients came from all over to see my gallery/studio. It’s been truly my dream come true. My business is comprised of three different entities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Listen, we never know where the contracts and sales will come from, its essentially always up to us and networking, the hustle, the grind to make artwork, the patience to maybe sell a piece, the effort and money to throw exhibitions and shows, organizing photo shoots, video reels, and attention = these are few of the many hats I wear on the regular. I do believe that most artists have to be a wizard of sorts, a jack of all trades, someone who can morph into whatever they need to be all the while staying true to self and developing our own intention through our art. Simply put, it’s hard as F*$K! But, it can be done and I’m living proof of that, it really is all about the journey, and what I say to most artists who ask me HOW did you do this is “KEEP ON KEEPING ON!”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been painting since I was 13. I took it seriously even then, wanting to perfect my skills and being impatient and overwhelmed with how much I had to learn, I stuck with it! Acrylic, oil, spray paint, mixed media, collage, murals, canvas, body painting, photography, videography, final cut pro and a slew of other skills were learned through the years and today, I’m thriving but still learning. I’m known for my close up female faces, my intense eyes, my bold colours, energetic live paintings. It’s been busy!
Most proud of all the collections I’ve made over the years… nine in total. As well as performing across the country for the Canadian Winter Olympics in 2010.
I believe my speed painting and high volume of colour and steady flow of work has set me apart.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Paint all over the carpet and Bob Ross.
Contact Info:
- Email: jessica@jessgo.com
- Website: www.jessgo.com
- Instagram: @jessgo333
- Facebook: Jessica Gorlicky
- Twitter: @jessgo333
- Youtube: Jessica Gorlicky
Image Credits
Eric Carriere www.ericcarriere.ca – all photos
