Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Sanchez
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m from New York and Miami. Born to Dominican parents in the South Bronx, New York, I moved to Homestead, Florida, at the age of 14 after my sister and I won a case regarding lead poisoning from a broken-down apartment in the South Bronx, a case that lasted ten years to close. This move was a step towards a better life for our family. Throughout all these transitions, art has been my creative outlet, helping me navigate both cities and overcome any internal troubles I had by express my emotions through art. My parents always supported my interest in art by enrolling me in summer art classes and ensuring I had the necessary materials. I am truly grateful for their encouragement.
In 2014, I donated a kidney to my sister, who has kidney disease. This experience deepened my gratitude for life and solidified my commitment to living with love. In 2017, I returned to New York City to complete my Studio Arts Bachelor’s degree at City College of New York, reigniting my connection with the city that first nurtured my artistic spirit. Since then, I have dedicated six years to teaching art in private classes and parties, sharing my passion and nurturing the creative spirits of others. This role is deeply cherished, allowing me to give back and inspire the next generation of creators.
In 2018, I founded JS.REBIRTH, an independent artist initiative that began as a commitment to spread awareness of the importance of self-love and sharing that love with others. This endeavor has been fueled by unwavering support from my devoted family, friends, buyers, and collectors. My work expresses my core beliefs, grounded in the conviction that every individual possesses the power to shape a better life and contribute to the world’s betterment. I choose flowers and plants as symbols because we are nature, and the strength and energy we hold are naturally part of us.
I reimagine plants as people, drawing inspiration from a diverse array of flowers and leaves for their heads, representing various nationalities. Their bodies emulate the stems, thorns, leaves, and roots of typical plants. The playful, Matisse-inspired human-nature curves add depth to the narrative, infusing each piece with expressive and dynamic qualities. Each piece features noticeable brush strokes, symbolizing our imperfections, which make us inherently beautiful.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing up in the South Bronx, my sister and I faced the challenge of lead poisoning from our apartment, leading to a decade-long legal battle. As a child in the Bronx, my life felt fun, full of adventure, and rich in culture. I didn’t realize how dangerous my neighborhood and school were because crime and fights were so normal. It wasn’t until we moved to a gated community in Homestead, Florida, that I noticed how different things could be.
The transition between cities was difficult because I felt out of place.
In 2014, I faced another personal challenge: deciding whether or not to donate a kidney to my sister. She had been diagnosed with kidney disease for years, and at 18, I was finally the perfect candidate to donate. I knew I had to take time off school for recovery and life for would be different. But in my heart I was meant to do this. This experience profoundly impacted me, deepening my gratitude for life and strengthening my resolve to live with love and purpose.
In 2017, I took a bold step by returning to New York City to complete my Studio Arts Bachelor’s degree at City College of New York. Reconnecting with the city that first nurtured my artistic spirit was both exhilarating and challenging. During this time, I juggled two jobs, working seven days a week, while attending classes on weekdays and weekends. Additionally, I was growing as an independent artist, participating in live painting events and hosting art and sip sessions. The struggle was real, but it fueled my passion and dedication to my craft.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My art tells a story of inspiration drawn from self-reflection, personal relationships, chance encounters with strangers, and the sheer joy of creation. Each petal weaves together my journey of love, overcoming obstacles, empowering moments, and joyful impressions, influenced by friends, family, and the transient beauty found in unexpected connections. Employing a diverse range of mediums, including digital illustration, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, and sculpture, my plant-inspired creations serve as metaphors for the magic inherent in life and love, expressed through energy, charm, and intricate detail.
The central theme of my flower/plant figures are transcends societal pressures, aiming to reconnect humanity with the essence of nature and the continuous evolution of our souls. I emphasize the fragility of the human experience, advocating for nurturing oneself and those around us, much like tending to a blooming field of tulips. Through my vibrant and diverse artistic expressions, I seek to illuminate the radiant energy within every individual, fostering a positive perception of oneself and others.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Going to events I inspired to be part of and connecting with people who share the same interests really help me gain knowledge I needed for myself. Also following people online that are successful in my field and well as in the same direction.
Pricing:
- $2,000 African Violet Strength 48X60 acrylic painting on canvas
- $700 Aquaflora Essence
- $2,000 Lily Dancing Between Paths 48X60 acrylic painting on canvas
- $400 Northern Pin & Hibiscus; Dancing Away
- $2,500 Eternal Bloom Falls 48×48 acrylic painting on panel wood
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Js-rebirth.com
- Instagram: Jsrebirth_
Image Credits
Some photos taken by: Iamwazzan Wedding Photographer
