JESSIE KENNEDY STEINBERG

Born in Arlignton, TX 1978

Currently lives and works in Austin, TX

Artist’s Statement

I believe, underneath us all, is a brewing emotional atmosphere, sometimes stormy, other times soft and serene. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, my thoughts pivoted to this hidden undercurrent. My paintings present an atmospheric surrealism that is more interested in the suggestion of an emotion or idea rather than its natural representation.

My new series of paintings are more expressive, layered, and textured than my previous works. More than any other time in my career, the longing to delve into my inner emotional landscapes is all encompassing. My work focuses on the psychological undertones of what matters to me, snapshots of my life, my moments of precipice.

Layering various mediums of charcoal, pastel, and oil paint is important to me, because each has its own level of expression. Charcoal is fast and sweeping, an immediate catharsis of the subject at hand, while the following thin layers of oil and cold wax medium are slow and contemplative, as I develop the emotional “weather” of a remembered moment. Alternating back and forth between the subject and atmosphere, obscuring and revealing, I push and pull boundaries to expose what matters most to the moment of each piece.

By superimposing figures, florals, and man made objects over untamed, natural elements, such as stormy skies and turbulent waters, I am able to create worlds that are unseen yet, deeply felt.

If you see art on my AVAILABLE page that you are interested in, CONTACT me. I can explain more about the piece, its inspiration, and story, as well as payment and shipping options. If you would like to see more of my work, visit my ARCHIVE page to view past works that have sold. To keep up with the latest updates on my work and life, you can follow me on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM.