From the time her dad put a crayon in her hand, at age two, Jessica had things to show the world.

Jessica Peterson is a multi-faceted, evocative artist. 

While her drawings shed light on her darker feelings, the child within her loves splashing around in vivid colors. Her digital and acrylic paintings reflect the carefree childhood just beyond her reach. She creates safe places to go when life gets difficult.

Photography was the first door Jessica opened, with her cat, Puddie, being her first subject, though often uncooperative. She then turned the camera on herself, giving her full control to create a world she could escape to from time to time.

Jessica loves creating photos that leave people wondering, “How did she do that?”

 

 

Jessica is a two-time winner of the billboard art contest in Peoria, Illinois – the first billboard, “A Windy Day,” in 2017 (pictured below), and the second, “A Gentle Breeze,” in 2022.

 

 

She also collaborates with her mother, Anne Peterson, a poet and author. They create poetry pieces, art books and children’s books, including Emma’s Wish, and The Crooked House. All of their books are available on Anne’s Amazon Author page. 

A graduate of Illinois State University, Jessica turned to Video. In 2021, her short film, “May I have this Dance?” received Best Interactive Media and Technology Award. 

No matter what tool Jessica chooses, her goal is the same: to somehow give people the chance to escape into a world of her own making.

You can follow Jessica’s art on her Facebook page, Instagram, and read more of her writing on Medium.com.