Meet Jessica Mapstone | Artist and Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Mapstone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The decision to start my own business was born out of a lifelong passion for painting. Over the years, I found myself accumulating stacks of paintings in my bedroom, and I began to wonder if there were others who would appreciate my unique style. It was initially driven by curiosity – a desire to explore the potential audience for my art. However, circumstances took an unexpected turn when I moved to a country where I didn’t have the right to work. This presented both a challenge and an opportunity. With limited employment options, I saw it as the perfect time to fully immerse myself in my artistic pursuits. I dedicated myself to honing my skills and building a platform for showcasing my work. Setting up a website became a priority, as it allowed me to reach a wider audience and share my passion with art lovers around the world. So, what started as a personal exploration of my artistic potential evolved into a full-fledged business endeavor.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a fusion of my passions for patterns, colours, avant-garde art, and the wildlife that surrounded me growing up in South Africa. I’ve crafted a style that uniquely combines these elements, blending abstract backgrounds with wildlife foregrounds to infuse personality into my pieces.

What sets me apart is this distinctive style, which resonates with art enthusiasts seeking something fresh and unconventional.

I take immense pride in my growth as an artist and in disproving my own belief that making a living from art was unattainable. Being self-taught, I’ve dedicated countless hours to refining my craft and networking with fellow artists, constantly learning and evolving along the way.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Navigating social media, galleries, and the demands of discerning clients has been challenging, especially for someone who dislikes sales and is naturally introverted. However, with perseverance and numerous uncomfortable situations, I’ve pushed through obstacles and embraced the business side of art (which is still challenging me every day).

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to trust in my unique vision, even when faced with criticism or doubt. Even my own Mother doesn’t like my style and yet there are people out there who do. Every piece may not resonate with everyone, but there’s always an audience for authentic expression.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
“City” is a strong word, especially considering I live in Bermuda, where you’re all about spending time in the stunning outdoors, and there’s definitely no big city vibe here. I’d totally skip the high-end restaurants and kick off our adventure by grabbing a fish sandwich at one of those hidden gems tucked away in Back-a-town.

Next up? A scooter ride along the coastline, taking in the amazing blue waters and pink sands. While we’re soaking in the stunning beauty of Bermuda, we’ll make pit stops along the way to visit charming galleries like Masterworks, Bermuda Society of Arts (BSOA), and Dockyard Art Centre.

And after soaking up the sun on the beaches and checking out some art, we absolutely have to swing by the often-overlooked hidden gem, John Smith’s Bay. It’s this awesome spot where we can chill at the ‘Shack,’ sipping on drinks, enjoying great local food, and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give a massive shoutout to my partner, Brendon. From day one, he’s been my unwavering champion, tirelessly promoting my work to anyone who would listen. During tough times when finances were tight, he stepped up without hesitation, covering bills and expenses without ever once making me feel guilty. His support has been not only invaluable but also heartwarming, making every challenge easier to navigate knowing he’s by my side.

Website: jess@jessicamapstoneart.com

Instagram: jessicamapstone_art

Facebook: jessicamapstoneart

Image Credits
..