Rising Stars: Meet Jessica Hightower

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

Hi Jessica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an artist. I know this. No matter what paths I’ve taken. I always come back to my love. Art. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had a natural inclination towards creativity. Whether it was playing with crafts or expressing myself through painting and drawing, art has been an integral part of who I am. There wasn’t a specific moment that sparked my interest; it was just something that came naturally to me. 

Although I initially pursued a career as a graphic designer, in 2020, during a time when many of us had more free time on our hands, I felt the call to return to painting. It was like rediscovering an old passion that had been waiting patiently for my attention. 

When it comes to my artistic skills, I am entirely self-taught. I learned by simply doing. I would sit for hours, painting and drawing until my artwork matched the vision I had in my mind. It was a process of trial and error, but it allowed me to develop my own unique style and approach to art. 

One of the biggest challenges I face as an artist is battling my own self-doubt and intrusive thoughts. It’s a constant struggle to remind myself of who I am and to stay true to my artistic path. But through perseverance and unwavering belief in myself, I have learned to overcome these obstacles and embrace the fact that I am an artist. 

In my journey, I have experienced some incredible milestones and accomplishments. One of the pivotal moments was when I reached out to the owner of ARS Gallery in Benton Harbor, just seeking feedback on my work. To my surprise, she offered to showcase my art for two months. That was the beginning of a series of exhibitions at various places, such as the MACC show at the Box Factory in St. Joseph MI, Around the Bend in South Bend, IN, my own show at the Black Arts & Cultural Center Kalamazoo, MI, and the Fun Squad show at the DACC in Grand Rapids, among others. 

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my artistic journey has been the opportunity to teach art. I am currently teaching at the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, MI, and working with the students at the Benton Harbor Boys and Girls Club. The joy of sharing my knowledge and passion with others is indescribable. 

Staying motivated can be challenging at times. In the past, I would only paint when I was in a happy mood or had a clear direction in mind. However, I’ve learned that sometimes, you just have to start. I set intentional time each day to engage in something related to my art, regardless of my mood or level of inspiration. This practice has helped me maintain my artistic momentum. 

If I were to give advice to someone who wants to start their artistic journey, I would say: Just start. Don’t pay attention to doubts, whether they come from others or from within yourself. Surround yourself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals and fellow artists. Being part of such a community has been instrumental in my growth and success. I cherish the connections I’ve made and the support they provide. 

Looking ahead, I am incredibly proud and excited for what the future holds. I am starting to explore the world of mural art in my city, and I can’t wait to see where this path takes me. Each new project and opportunity is a chance to further expand my artistic horizons and make a lasting impact through my creativity. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As I mention before, my biggest challenge I have as an artist is really myself. It’s definitely not all smooth sailing. But I’ve decided that I’m going to make it through. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My art is primarily focused on capturing the beauty and diversity of people of color through portraits. What sets my art apart is the unique approach I take in terms of color and the emotions I aim to evoke in the viewer. Rather than using traditional colors, I study color theory and color psychology to create thought-provoking images. 

In each painting, I carefully select and manipulate colors to bring out specific emotional responses. By using the power of color, I aim to establish a deep connection between the viewer and the artwork. The expressions and hand gestures depicted in my portraits serve as visual cues, further intensifying the emotional impact of the piece. 

My ultimate goal is to engage the viewer in a captivating narrative. When someone looks at my art, I want them to feel compelled to create their own story for the person portrayed in the painting. By leaving room for interpretation, I invite viewers to connect with the artwork on a personal level, allowing them to find meaning in their own experiences. 

Through my art, I strive to facilitate communication between the painting and the viewer. It’s not merely a one-sided interaction; it’s a dialogue that invites introspection and emotional exploration. I believe that art has the power to transcend barriers and ignite conversations, and I channel this belief into every brushstroke, every color choice, and every expressive detail. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
It was a complete surprise. Almost every Saturday, my parents would take me to this pancake house, and it was one of my absolute favorite weekend activities. I always looked forward to ordering Mickey Mouse pancakes and a chocolate milk. As we entered the breakfast place, there was a display that seemed to have hundreds of brochures showcasing various places and attractions. At that time, I thought they were the most exciting things ever. I would grab brochures for amusement parks and water parks, particularly Michigan Adventures or Six Flags. I had seen commercials for them and would flip through the brochures while we enjoyed our breakfast. 

Every week, I would ask my parents if we could go to one of those parks, but they always gave me the same answers: either a no or a “Maybe next week.” It was the usual brush-off, but I never stopped hoping. On this particular day, I repeated my routine, entering the restaurant, grabbing the brochures, and asking my parents if we could go. Once again, they responded with the same replies. After we finished our breakfast, we hopped into the car, and they began driving. The drive seemed exceptionally long, like really, really long. I was curiosity of what was taking so long, but I resisted asking any questions and instead went to sleep. 

Eventually, my mom gently woke me up and told me to look out the window. To my astonishment, I saw a gigantic wooden rollercoaster towering before us. We had arrived at Michigan Adventures! I can hardly recall the specific details of that day at the park, but what remains etched in my memory is the overwhelming feeling of awe and gratitude. The fact that my parents had taken me there, especially since I had been asleep for the entire ride, made it feel like pure magic. It was as if I had closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, we were suddenly there. The joy and excitement I experienced that day made it one of the most cherished memories of my childhood. 

Pricing:

• All my originals start at $300 and up
• My prints start at $20 for a 11×14

Contact Info:

• Website: jhightowerart.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/theartist_jessica?igshid=ZWIzMWE5ZmU3Zg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069832479947&mibextid=LQQJ4d