Could you share with us a little of the beginning of your journey? How did you start and, more importantly, why did you decide to paint?
I painted my first two pictures in 2008, for an auction with parents to raise funds for my graduation ball. Our painter Samate Mulungo helped me with materials and taught me some basic techniques. One of the pictures was sold, and the other is with me to this day; I would not sell it for anything. I decided to carry on because that day I discovered that I really liked painting and drawing, an art that has fascinated me since I was little.
How would you characterise your work?
My work is very spiritual, made with a lot of emotion and affection; it is the exposure of everything I feel, the photograph of everything I see. Abstract is the technique I like most, especially because the viewer can interpret it in their own way and travel in their thoughts.
What inspires you most in painting, where do your best ideas come from?
My ideas and my inspiration come from nature; I think it could not be otherwise, since it is the centre of everything.
Who do you consider to be your great references in this field?
I confess that I like some painters, in particular Samate Mulungo, Naguib, Lizzie Ana, Picasso and Michelangelo, but at the end of the day I end up having no favourites, because they all convey different feelings and techniques; together they complete and elevate this art.
Is there an exciting moment in your career that you would like to share with us?
I think all moments are exciting, from producing my first work, the first sale I made, the invitations to exhibitions, the opening of my first studio; it is hard to specify what moved me most, as they were all different and very important.
In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges in the sector at present?
Difficulties always exist, especially in a country with so many problems that rank above those of the arts, but I feel the new generation is fighting hard to reverse this situation. There is a great deal of bureaucracy surrounding the arts. I think we are creating a cultural independence that is growing stronger by the day, and I hope this strength continues and that the difficulties serve only to fortify us, not to discourage us.
Besides painting, what other art forms fascinate you? Where can we follow your work?
Besides this art, I greatly appreciate sculpture, music and, in general, all kinds of crafts. In fact, I think I am fascinated by everything; I have a special affection for each of them. My works are on display in my gallery (The Art and Scents Hub), and virtually on my Instagram @jessejsjane_art and Facebook Jess Jane Arte.
What do you consider to be the essential ingredients for a prosperous future in the art world?
The right ingredients are, certainly, perseverance, never giving up, focus, love for what one does, self-confidence and positive energy, always. Projects always exist, and the good part is when we bring them to fruition and present them to the public with the greatest pride.
