Birds on Many It’s 

I’ve been a bit quiet here, but flat out elsewhere with many illustration projects on. For a little stress release I started painting birds, and selling them cheap on Instagram. They’ve taken flight! There’s been a wonderful response to them and I’ve loved seeing them reappear in people’s houses, like this guy who went to photographer Penny Lane…  

 I’m on insta under @jessesmess so if you want to see the collection so far and for the next couple of months, come say hi x

A Quote to Live By

This year as part of a wonderful group I’m involved with we decided to find a quote for our studio wall and create an artwork based on it. I’m interested in finding out my purpose with drawing, find out why I’m here, and what energizes me to keep going. I found this quote by Susan Sontag,

“Do stuff. be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. stay eager.” Susan Sontag

Here is my artwork, which I’ve also made into a giclee print for anyone else that would like it for their wall too….quotejessracklyeft

By coincidence while I was posting this, I’ve been listening to this inspiring podcast by Andy Pizza: http://www.creativepeptalk.com/episodes/2017/1/12/116-unlock-your-true-potential – have a listen on your next art making session to get revved up for the year.

The Canvas Project


There are some clever chaps in NY who have set up “The Art House Co-op”, bringing together whoever wants to contribute with cheap, fun international projects.

I’m going to participate in “the canvas project” – I was sent 3 mini canvasses with the words “SAVAGES”, “KEMPT” and “PERSISTENT”. Just for something different I’ve made them with oils and ink, however sort of forgotten how long damn oils take to dry… still wet a week later, so needing them to hurry on so I can mail them on their merry way back to the USA to join their exhibition in Brooklyn later this year. Dry oil dry!