Conversations with Jessica Hannum

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Hannum.

Jessica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have a long history of creating art! I started my path in art at a very young age, taking painting classes and being an all-around “eyes wide open” type of girl. Seeing every detail big or small. My first creative endeavor, Quest Stones Jewelry, uses raw stones and colorful beads, along with aromatherapy to create interesting jewelry. I love feeding all the senses in my creations! After many years as a jewelry artisan, a little spark occurred one day during the coronavirus pandemic. I started painting “Kindness Rocks” and hiding them all around Winter Park, FL, while on stroller walks with my baby.

After several people found them and started sharing their excitement, I decided to make the same style images on paper to give as gifts with jewelry. As a new mom, I discovered how important art was and is for post-partum healing. The colors, textures, and ability to apply beauty to a blank canvas is soul renewing. While painting, I started feeling that sense of being in love all over again and dove right into large canvas works. My love of painting found its way back in my life, and now you can find my work in several shops around town. I create art that stimulates the soul, motivates a room, and engages the viewers. I’m an open book! I see no harm in sharing how much art can heal and provide a benefit to mental health.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve tried really hard to keep my mind in check and stay focused on what I want to achieve. I struggle with juggling all the ideas and putting them to action. To me, everything is a priority! So, it’s very hard for me to focus on one idea. I end up burning the candle at both ends, trying to launch my new art business. I hear people ask me, “how do you do it all?” And, my response is, “I don’t!” Because in my mind, it’s never enough. Sometimes I wish I had a team, so I could stay organized and accomplish all the ideas I want to while maintaining a great marriage and raising a thriving toddler. My desire to create is overwhelming some days. I don’t know why I’m like that, but I just go with it, and try to do as much as I can while I’m here on Earth.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an emerging abstract painter. I stick with an intuitive abstract approach. I love the process! I fully embrace all types of things to inspire my work. Nature is high on my list for inspiration (I love earthy textures and the way sunlight moves through a room). I am also highly inspired by interior designers and the incredible way they can make a room flow with colors and shapes. I enjoy experimenting with new mediums and texture elements. I use mostly acrylic paint because I love how fast it dries! I can create with lots of emotion and don’t have to wait for it to dry before putting on more layers. It’s a very exciting energy. People that collect and compliment my art have said it makes them feel happy, and my work speaks to them. That is the best gift I get from being an artist. I love making people feel love or feel some sort of emotion when they see my art. I’m so glad more people are turning to art for a sense of release from stress. Art is healing. It doesn’t have to make sense to move you. How wonderful is that? True freedom!

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory? I have many. One that sorta resonates with how I am today is when I was around six years old, I would stay at my grandma’s house because my parents both worked long hours (they were small biz owners!). My grandma had a major green thumb. She would grow all kinds of plants, flowers, veggies, and fruits. Before Christmas, she and I would load up her little red wagon with Christmas cactus plants that she grew, and I’d walk door to door selling them! 🙂 I loved getting back to her and splitting the money. She was so proud of me. Ha!

Contact Info:

• Email: JessHannumART@gmail.com
• Website: www.JessicaHannum.com
• Instagram: @JessHannumART
• Facebook: @JessHannum
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jesslovesmusic