December 2019 I began an enormous overhaul, transformation, evolution and complete reinvention of my art. One day I will hopefully write the story of my entire artistic journey to this present moment, yet for now I will share the pivotal moments of the last few months.
While setting up the Christmas Show I noticed a couple of blank spaces on the wall in the Patti Wessman Glass area. I give artists space during the Holiday show to present their gift items and her work is bright and full of energy and light. I popped out 2 abstract pieces, put frames on them and voila, a door to a new exciting road opened and I raced through it.
While setting up the Christmas Show I noticed a couple of blank spaces on the wall in the Patti Wessman Glass area. I give artists space during the Holiday show to present their gift items and her work is bright and full of energy and light. I popped out 2 abstract pieces, put frames on them and voila, a door to a new exciting road opened and I raced through it.
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The abstracts were the first to start developing and gradually after several paintings on paper I landed on canvas and a figure appeared. That painting was the first time in years I let the messages take over and I allowed the paint and canvas to guide me.
At first I thought the woman was holding a child and the child's head was the round greenish gold ball. When I stepped back I realized the child was holding the world up in its hands and something struck my heART. The realization that I had a job to do and a new book to write. After publishing 6 books I thought I was done with books. Imagine my internal shock when I realized there was more to be said and I was being given the task (because of my life experiences as an artist and poet/songwriter) to do the work.
At first I thought the woman was holding a child and the child's head was the round greenish gold ball. When I stepped back I realized the child was holding the world up in its hands and something struck my heART. The realization that I had a job to do and a new book to write. After publishing 6 books I thought I was done with books. Imagine my internal shock when I realized there was more to be said and I was being given the task (because of my life experiences as an artist and poet/songwriter) to do the work.
 The Children, The World |  Voices Deep in the Sea |  The Bird Spoke |
These were the first 3 images that flooded my vision and transported me to the present day and work I am still developing.
I do not sleep well and in the past I would just push through the darkness and deal with the waking 5 times a night by watching something on TV. When this transformation took complete hold of me I would get up and race down to the gallery at all hours from 1am to 4am and start painting. Instead of fighting the forces, I gave in to them and honored and trusted that this was really important work. I was painting between my old more graphic classic children's book style and the new abstracted style so several of the pieces are what I call my "in between style" .
I do not sleep well and in the past I would just push through the darkness and deal with the waking 5 times a night by watching something on TV. When this transformation took complete hold of me I would get up and race down to the gallery at all hours from 1am to 4am and start painting. Instead of fighting the forces, I gave in to them and honored and trusted that this was really important work. I was painting between my old more graphic classic children's book style and the new abstracted style so several of the pieces are what I call my "in between style" .
 Spirits All Around |  Eternal Flight |  Save Our Children |
The portrait painter once again resurfaced on January 27th, 2020. I had made a conscious decision that I could no longer watch the negative news and all that ripping and tearing of common kindness I was raised surrounded by so I cleared my life and turned off all "Bad News". A friend was visiting me on January 26th and mentioned the Kobe Bryant & his daughter plus several other people had died in a tragic helicopter accident. On January 27th 2020 I was suddenly moved to get up at 4am and paint their faces. what struck me and is driving me to this day is that life is so fragile. The instant death of these precious souls reconfirmed my commitment to getting this book out as a quickly as possible.
My portrait work had been in watercolors for 15 years although I began painting faces in Oil in college.
My portrait work had been in watercolors for 15 years although I began painting faces in Oil in college.
 Kobe and Gianna, Enter the Angels |  Michelle Obama, Becoming |  Lucy Liu Lights up the Soul |
This was something different than the children's book that was developing. "Soulful Voices" is the title of the book and this series of faces had a new name and meaning for me. "Honored Souls" was born.
What has and is still developing every day in the wee hours of the am is powerful "get out of the way work" that frees my soul and sets it flying. There are surprises with each new piece and growth in my technical skill every day (since acrylic and palette knife are my newest medium)
My goal is to inspired others to take a chance , a leap of faith if you will , and turn off the noise out there and listen to your heart and speak your truth and wisdom . There are cries coming from the Earth, Sea, Sky and all Living Creatures. Some of the pieces I am painting are loud statements that will hopefully aligned with Non Profits and some are soft quiet pleas for peace.
What has and is still developing every day in the wee hours of the am is powerful "get out of the way work" that frees my soul and sets it flying. There are surprises with each new piece and growth in my technical skill every day (since acrylic and palette knife are my newest medium)
My goal is to inspired others to take a chance , a leap of faith if you will , and turn off the noise out there and listen to your heart and speak your truth and wisdom . There are cries coming from the Earth, Sea, Sky and all Living Creatures. Some of the pieces I am painting are loud statements that will hopefully aligned with Non Profits and some are soft quiet pleas for peace.
 The Children are Watching |  Please Save Us |
 The Hidden Truth Within |  I Sea YOU |
I will end this blog with the first page of Soulful Voices and with a prayer that if you read this you to listen to the kind loving words in your heart and come dance with me in the world of creativity.
Soulful Voices by Jessel Miller
 Dancing Feet | Each night when she would slip to sleep The spirits would arrive Every species on the earth Cried "Please keep us alive." Protect us from the darkness near That threatens to extinct The very core of who we are, Don't take us to the brink. |
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