Inside the Studio

Jessica Zoob

What are the major themes you pursue in your work?

Capturing beauty and creating happiness. I am always trying to create work that allows people to lose themselves within it, letting their minds wander and perhaps recognising things from their own dreams or memories. I create work which asks the viewer to take time, sit quietly and contemplate, and my intention is for my works to make viewers smile.

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?

Years ago Bernard Jacobson told me to follow my own path, be guided by my own intuition, and not to worry about outside influences. More recently he has told me that I need to edit and he is probably right!

Prefer to work with music or in silence?

Silence. When I’m working in my studio it’s all about being totally focused and in the moment with no distractions.

If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?

Paul Klee’s A Leaf From the Book of Cities 1928 or Ancient Harmony 1925, impossible to choose!

Who are your favorite writers?

Richard Bach for his wonderful book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull. I always refer to it when I need reminding to follow my heart and make my own rules. “You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now, and nothing can stand in your way.”

Gerald Durrell. I read the wonderful, funny tales of his life with animals as a child and My Family And Other Animals is still one of my favourite books.

My travels in my university years through Asia and particularly China, have greatly influenced my work. Reading Jung Chang’s books, in particular Wild Swans;  a tragic tale of nightmarish cruelty and yet an uplifting story of bravery and survival reinforced my desire to always strive for my dreams to come true.