Where you can find me…

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I share my poetry via bi-weekly Substack posts. Follow and subscribe!

Artist statement

lately…

I have been seeing and feeling the movement of the spirit
in sitting with family, meeting with artist friends, driving to work
the spirit is near and moving

around and in my hands as they make
around and in my head as she thinks
around and in my heart as it feels

all my thoughts are starting to collect
into a book-like form
as my books form into newness

pulping in the studio continues
with different materials
forged and gathered direct from their sources

backyard artmaking and a
ladybug kisses my hand
she is here now

swirling diving looping weeping
I pay attention and fill my lungs with the sweet
peace

ideas rushing through jotting down
caressing my everythingness around me.
Intoxicating

Thesis Show Weekend-41.jpg

BIO

Hello! My name is Jessie Houff. I am an artist, educator, and curator who was born in Fairfax County, Virginia and raised in the Shenandoah Valley. I grew up with values rooted in family, travel, and spirituality. I am a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on poetry, book arts, papermaking, and installation. When I am not at home or in the studio you can most likely find me buried in a vintage bookstore, drinking a café au lait, dreaming of being in a Gene Kelly movie, and planning a fun evening with friends, snacks, and art.

I am Adjunct Faculty and Communications Manager at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. I received my Master of Fine Art in Community Art from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, Maryland. I am studying for my Doctor of Ministry in Curating Community through the Arts. My career has brought me many different opportunities including Visual Arts Instructor, Gallery Curator, Community Arts Minister, Events Coordinator, and freelance artist. I enjoy diving deeply into my spiritual roots living a peaceful minimalist life, buying only what is needed, reusing what I can, and spreading goodness wherever I go. I am always growing in my artistry and ministry by continuing to write, teach, travel, and make new connections.