Studio Visit: Jess Ackerman
Speaking with beloved Portland artist Jess Ackerman falls somewhere between gabbing and riffing, filled with bits, laughs and thoughtful quips. Jess brings a sense of humor to work, (at Old Friends Coffee on SE Belmont) to Instagram, (every year we all look forward to their absurdist coverage of Met Gala outfits, but, more consistently, we love their well-curated memes, shared on their story) and to their artistic practice.
Jess, can you tell us about how humor, levity and playfulness play a role in your work?
Its everything, or at least its my first language. I didn't come from a very communicative or sincere family. So humor was the only way to process or express much. There is always going to be a light freaky poke of humor with anything i do, even if just as a means to get through it. I don't think I even realize its happening haha
Your paintings are precise, populated with high-contrast colors, clear, established lines, and recognizable forms. Has that always been the case, stylistically? Do you feel there’s any symbolism to this precision?
This has definitely been the focus of the last 5 years. Much of my work 10-15-20 years ago was far more rough and illustrative. I became more entranced by textiles and stage design and somehow this was the natural direction the work took me in.
You describe yourself as a ‘hermit’ in your Instagram bio. Does that self-diagnosis ever feel at odds with being in the art world, where self-promotion and shmoozing can dominate?
At odds? It’s war! Haha! My practice is so meditative and private for me that any of the self promotion stuff feels like being awake during surgery.
Your work has plenty of domestic scenes – your dogs, kitchen still lifes, tablescapes. Do you draw any inspiration from your own personal home, and/or from the concept of home more abstractly?
Yes and yes! Interior design is a huge source of inspiration for me. The flow and mindful awareness of a space is intoxicating. Our house is small and squat, but we're both kind of weird thrifty collectors that have a lot of fun hunting and gathering stuff. Currently realizing I have too many Halloween decorations and might need to par down. I also feel like ‘home’ is so much a living thing with a desire to be nourished, like any relationship, and I enjoy finding a way to paint that.
What is it like for your creative work space to exist within your domestic space? Do the two compliment one another? Do you crave more separation between the two?
Dude, it was a challenge at first. I was super lucky to have a really perfect studio for 4 years, but financially had to make the decision to downsize. I always had a home studio before that, so I just had to get back in the right headspace and downsize my clutter lol. But now it feels really seamless. It's such a privilege to have a little space to freak out in.
On this theme of domesticity, house, and home, (and knowing Shop Boswell is primarily a clothing store) can you tell us about your relationship to clothing – something that theoretically ‘houses’ the body as you move through the world?
Total obsession. When I was a kid I would cut out everything in magazines to make paperdolls with and just fantasize about, to dressing up my sister and friends, to now just nearly hoarding things. The simple decision of a daily garment for necessity, to affirming expression, art, comfort, stimulation etc. It takes up a huge space in my mind. Especially in our modern climate. We have decisions to make that create real impact. Maybe it's cheesy, but whatever. There is a canvas, a body, a foundation, a frame, and there is what you do with it.
If you do identify with this slight homebody identity, can you tell us how you feel when you do get out and about in this lovely city of ours? What are your favorite places?
I’m a Hermit Sun, Airhead Moon, and a Shy Rising. Lots of wandering around and going wherever the mood feels right when I'm out and about, with no patience for waiting in a line or crowded space. Thatttt being said, my favorite placesssss
-Lone Fir Cemetery
Shop -Boswell (DUH)
-Laurelhurst Theater
-Mississippi Records
-Leach Botanical Garden
-Old Friends Coffee (lol)
-Peninsula Park
-Yaowarat
-Sweedeedee, if a friend is working
-Nationale
-King Farmers Market (weather permitting)
-a friends couch