Jessica M. Pankratz, local Madison artist shares her story becoming an artist and gives a sneak peek at her artwork to be displayed at the Lauer Realty Group office.
Jessica’s artwork will be on display at the Lauer Realty Group office, 2229 Atwood Ave, in March and April 2016, with a special reception open to the public on April 22nd from 5-7pm.
As always, the public is welcome to stop by the office during business hours to view her art, and we hope you will join us at her reception event to meet her first hand! All purchases are made directly through the artist, please contact Jessica with inquiries on pieces.
How long have you been practicing your work?
“About 5 years. Prior to that, I typically “doodled” while on the phone or while taking notes in school or work but nothing like this. My main form of creative expression prior to 5 years ago was poetry which I did for about 20 years.”
What got you started as an artist?
“When I was a kid, I often could be found coloring and making drawings in school. I always enjoyed art but for some reason, unknown to me then, didn’t believe I had what it took. I remember always drawing but not wanting anyone to see what I was doing. Then, in 2011, something just came alive in me after I took one of my intuitive classes called “Visions.” I realized that it was just a belief that was standing in my way. After that, the creativity “floodgates” opened and I couldn’t stop making art.”
Tell us about you and your art.
“My mission in life is to inspire, to be inspired and to shine light on all that is within me–shadow and light. I would say that to know my art is to know various aspects of me in collaboration with the flow of the Universe. It feels like something just comes over me. In any given and seemingly random moment, I will be magnetized to something that inspires me, like a statue or any image, and then I feel compelled to create art. Sometimes what moves me is something in my life that is stirring emotionally. Sometimes it’s a beautiful moment shared with another.”
How does the Madison community/area influence or impact your artwork?
“Good question. I suppose because I live here and interact with my community on a daily basis, it can’t help but influence me. I would say the main way I can think of is that I create artwork in coffee shops in the Madison community. I enjoy the energy and environment of a couple places and that supports my work. My go-to cafe is Mother Fools Coffeehouse on Willy Street.”
Do you have a certain inspiration or theme for this month’s installation?
“No I didn’t I just brought it all. 🙂 I don’t typically work in themes or plan the work I’m going to create over time. I tend to be more in the moment with each piece.”
What kind of message do you portray in your pieces?
“None of my artwork has had an intentional message when I create it. I typically find sources of inspiration in day to day life and then follow the feeling to create a piece. I would say that if I had to apply an overall message to the work I do it would be related to the value of knowing oneself honestly and compassionately. I believe we all have dark and light within us and the more we are conscious of what is there, the more we can be accountable for what we put out into the world and therefore, the happier we and those around us will be. I also believe that we all have beautiful qualities within us that we sometimes forget. I hope to remind people of that, especially in times of darkness. This reminds of a quote: “I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own Being.” –Hafiz of Shiraz. I would say this sums it up well.”
“The Rhythm of Stillness”, Jessica Pankratz
Is there a piece you’re especially proud of / excited to share?
“I have a few favorites but the one that stands out to me is “The Rhythm of Stillness” (pictured left). When I created that piece, I remember feeling peaceful and steady in my life while also feeling like everything was coming alive within me, like a vibrant and inspiring internal spring.“
Where do you see yourself going with your artwork and your career?
“Currently, I am a family therapist full-time at UW-Health. My ideal would be to work part-time as a therapist and the other part doing art as well as intuitive sessions and energetic bodywork. Art is as equally important to me as a career as being a therapist, intuitive and energetic Bodyworker. I want them all to be equally balanced in my life as a career.”
What kind of reproductions do you offer?
“Each piece for sale is an original, and therefore a one-of-a-kind. I haven’t offered reproductions so far. It’s something I may do in the future. ”
How do you currently promote your work?
“Currently, I promote my work through Facebook and word of mouth. If you are interested in commissioning a piece or purchasing one on display, you can reach me through phone, (608) 219-0616, or email jesspankratz@gmail.com”
Do you have any ongoing or upcoming shows?
“After the show here at Lauer Realty Group, the next one that I have scheduled is at Fairtrade Coffeehouse on State Street in March-May of 2017. I will be hosting a reception event on April 22nd at Lauer Realty Group, 2229 Atwood Ave, from 5-7pm for the public to ‘meet the artist’ and see my work.”
Lauer Realty Group proudly presents 5 local artists in 2016. These talented individuals transform our office walls every 2-3 months, and their artwork offers inspiration and conversation.
We are excited to share their talents with our clients and friends. While most galleries will take a commission from each sale, our gallery space is offered to these artists free of charge.
Our hopes are to help their network expand and their business to grow, please join us in supporting their excellent talents by attending their reception events, or following their online presences.
