Here, we cast the net out wide to London, catching up with Jess on her city-frollicking, underrated spots to visit (when we can all be tourists again), and the trajectory of her craft from then to now. Jess moved for love, stayed for love, and will come home for love. As we preempt a future of planes and possibility, this is just the teaser of wanderlust needed right now…

Jess, tell us a little about the art you make and why it’s an integral part of your world…

The short-form answer to this question is that I paint over photographic portraits. Technically speaking, my designs are multidisciplinary works on paper. I paint what I know. And what I know is that to exist as a feminine energetic life force in this world is to be conditioned to feel and act in certain ways, based on an historically male lead system. It’s an integral part of my world, because it’s important to question things in life. I find it fascinating to question myself and how I act, how I feel, and to also recognise that I’m not ‘special’. Many people in the world have similar thoughts towards themselves, and similar feelings of fondness and also frustration towards pop culture. It’s empowering to use art as a tool to critically think about the human condition.

You’re an Aussie living in London — something we’re all deeply envious about. But what are you missing most about home right now?

I miss the sharp scent of eucalyptus in the air. It’s something I had never noticed until I came home from my first six-month stint here prior to moving permanently. The air in London is thick, almost greasy sometimes (especially on the tube — gross) and honestly it smells like weed and car exhaust. There is honestly nothing quite like the smell of home.

When did you make the trek across to the other hemisphere? What prompted the life flip and what has it meant for you since in the realms of work, love and creativity?

I was invited to be part of a group show in London in 2018, around the same time I met my partner (who is a London boy through and through). I fell in love with both him, and this city. It was hard and fast, and I guess the rest is now history.

There’s something so very wonderful about a city like London as it’s filled with a rich creative history across many industries. For me, it’s like the gateway to greater Europe, with all it has to offer to an artist. The access to both institutions, creative movements, interesting people, and what I guess could be called intense overstimulation, is everywhere in this city. It’s a fantastic place of access that makes a lot of sense to the topics that lay within my work and practice.

The life flip has, of course, come with many challenges. Specifically with the pandemic, it has been roughly three years since I’ve been home to see family and friends and that’s not by choice. There are many sacrifices that come with a hemispheric move, but I feel lucky to have love and support on my side.

Indulge us with a little escapism. What are some of your favourite London spots for:

A quick wine? Go to the mescal bar at KOL in Marylebone, ask for their house orange wine. (Although it may not end up being quick, and you may drink a whole bottle because it is literally nectar of the gods).

A long lunch? Any pub on a sunday. Or Forza wine rooftop bar in peckham. Amazing views, lush sharing plates.

An even longer dinner? Brasserie Zedel. Get off the tube at Piccadilly, walk up the stairs, walk down the stairs at zed into the dining hall. Eat all the oysters, steak and fries, drink all of the champagne etc.

A dance? My kitchen.