We’ve been doing this for awhile, but we got another first for the Spotlight Series. Jessica Tyler is a visual artist here in the Capital City. We go back a few years, meeting however people do. She wasn’t an artist when we met, at least, not professionally. So had to figure out what her work looks like and how she started making it.
Take a minute to learn about Jessica Tyler, take a look at her work, and learn how you can get some for your home or office.
EAA: You weren’t doing this when we met. What prompted the career change?
Jess: Well, ya got a minute? For the sake of brevity, I will say several factors prompted my shift into art but the most important is the realization that life is too short to not do what makes you happy. Creating art and diving into what was once only a “hobby” has been more fulfilling than I ever could have imagined. Embracing my “inner child” has been the most “adult” thing I’ve ever done!
EAA: Who are your ideal clients? Is there anyone in particular that you think would appreciate what you’re doing?
Jess: Anyone looking to brighten up their space without breaking the bank! With COVID we’ve all been spending a lot more time inside so now is not the time for boring, blank walls. Whether you’re moving into a new apartment or just wanting to do a mini refresh in your space, art can change the entire look and feel of a room. I have pieces in every price range so my work is accessible to anyone wanting to start or build their local art collection and add a little color to their everyday space.
EAA: I’m not an art expert, but it seems like a lot of your work is centered around flowers and butts. Is that my imagination? Is there some message there?
Jess: I’m no art expert, either, but I do know that booty is in the eye of the beholder. Ha! In all honesty, I like to have fun when I’m creating and enjoy working with subject matter that I find beautiful or fascinating. No message there. My art is not that deep. Just looks like bums and blooms have captured my attention lately.
EAA: When did you get to Austin?
Jess: I got here as fast as I could. I lived in Houston briefly and knew it wasn’t quite for me. I visited Austin and fell in love with the energy here. Moved here less than a year later in the summer of 2012.
EAA: What would you recommend to people moving here?
Jess: Don’t be afraid to be a “tourist” in your own (new) city. It sounds cheesy as hell but do all the tours, visit all the museums, watch the bats, hike the greenbelt, bike Town Lake, eat alllll the food, etc. etc. etc. Do all the touristy stuff because this city is a ton of fun to explore. I’m still finding new Austin gems almost 9 years in.
EAA: What is your favorite Austin thing that most people don’t know about?
Jess: Like most of Austin, I’m a huge fan of spending my summer days at Barton Springs Pool, but not everyone is familiar with their Full Moon Swims where they open up the pool on the evenings with a full moon. The scene is always very “Austin” with some people swimming topless, spectators cheering on people doing flips off the diving board, stargazing, the occasional drum circle, and the best part: everyone howling at the full moon. Keep Austin Weird, right? It’s a lot of fun.
EAA: Any charities or non-profits you are interested in/work with/otherwise want to give a shout out to?
Jess: CLEAN Cause and Archway Academy, the nation’s largest Recovery High School, are just a couple of TX-based organizations that I enjoy supporting. Having worked in the Substance Use Disorder treatment world, any organization making resources more accessible for those seeking help has a special spot in my heart.
You can get even more of her work on her Instagram and then buy all the great things on her website.