Featured Artist, Jasmine Worth

Welcome Featured Artist.

Jasmine Worth

      This week's Artist is Jasmine Worth.  She is an extremely talented painter.  Her art is a little out of my usual realm of sunshine and butterflies (LOL!  Just kidding, I dont do sunshine and butterflies) and is full of dark, macabre images that are thought provoking and imaginative.  It brings to me images of Alice in Wonderland meet's Tim Burton (which I know is a little funny now considering the new movie.  Regardless...).
      I will admit, it took me a little while to decide how I felt about Jasmine's art.  At first, I was uncomfortable, but then I looked closer and I was really drawn to her obvious talent.   Her painting is wonderful!  She has great lines and I love the colors.  The backgrounds she puts behind some of her images really draw me in.   I find her so talented and original, and after getting to know her, I am truly proud to share her with you.
      So, come and discover this lovely and VERY talented lady with me!  When we are done with this journey, leave a comment below and let Jasmine know how her work has affected you.

1. Who are you? Where are you from, how old are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. I have a BFA in Illustration from the Laguna College of Art and Design. I love to paint and read, and hang out with my Scottish fold, Punkin.


2. How long have you been an artist and how did you learn about art?


I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. My Mother still has a drawing of Fred Flintstone that I drew for her when I was 3 years old. I think my love for art began with cartoons and muppets, and has continued since then. Some of my old cartoon favs and inspirations would have to be The Beatlejuice cartoon, Ahhh! Real Monsters, Rocko’s Modern Life, The Grinch that Stole Christmas, and my more recent favs would have to be Spongebob Squarepants and The Misadventures of Flapjack.

3. What does your Business name mean?


My business name is my own name, Jasmine Worth. I figured I’d keep it simple.

4. When did you decide to make the leap from hobby to Profession? Tell us about your first sale.


I’ve been a professional gallery artist for about 5 years now, although art just recently became my sole source of income after the record store I worked at for 8 years shut it’s doors for good in July ’09. I can’t remember my first sale, but every sale of an original piece is exciting! I love selling through galleries, but selling through etsy would have to be my fav because I get to connect with the art collector and talk directly to them. Often when my work sells in a gallery, I never get to find out who bought my piece, let alone have a personal conversation with them. It’s really nice to be able to get to know the people who are buying your art.

5. Explain your process a bit.


I am an oil painter, so my working process has a lot of steps. I usually begin with a sketch, which I refine and then transfer to masonite. I spray fix my drawing after I have transferred it, and I then begin the under painting. The colors of the under painting vary depending on the ultimate color scheme of the piece, but I usually use a burnt sienna for the under painting. I then begin building up colors and layers, and I often use numerous glazes before the piece is complete. After allowing the completed piece to dry for quite some time, I varnish it and frame it.

6. INSPIRATION. Anything, everything. What inspires you?


I find inspiration all around me, often in books.

7. Tell us about your current work.  What is your "muse" and why do you paint what you paint?

I get asked that question a lot, and to be perfectly honest, I have no idea where I got my inspiration for my creepy eyeless baby creatures, haha! For a while there I was painting creatures with huge foreheads and tentacles for legs. I don't know where my characters come from, but once they are in my head, I have to keep painting them. I would guess they are an amalgamation of every cartoon, Fraggle Rock episode, Poe story, and Vincent Price movie I have ever watched, along with all of the experiences of my life.

8. What are your goals and dreams, where do you see yourself in 10 years?


I hope to have progressed in my art career! I am also hoping to have a successful etsy store where I sell my own art directly to my collectors.

9. Anything and everything else about yourself that you would like to share. Favorite color to favorite food. Family, friends, life, anything. :)


Let’s see, I have many great friends, in and out of the art world. Some of my great friends and inspirations would have to be Paige Luneau, Cassie Lawson, Kevin Peterson, Kristina Deak, my kitty Punkin, and my boyfriend David. I love living here in San Diego, though I do think our art scene could use a little boost. I live in a small cottage that is completely over-run by my personal library!

10. Where can you be found?


I can be found many places, but these three are probably the best places to contact me. I am on a few personal networking sites, but I don’t use them very often.

I can be found at my personal website:


www.JasmineWorth.com


My etsy:


www.JasmineWorth.etsy.com


and my blog (where I some times post promotions and free stuff):


www.artofjasmine.blogspot.com

     Thank you for sharing this journey with me and getting to know both Jasmine and hopefully her work as well.  Keep an eye on her, she is constantly evolving.  Leave a comment below and let her know what you think.

     Thank you for stopping by this week and supporting Independant Artists.