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
BIO
Hello! My name is Jessie Houff. I am a nomadic artist 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 mixed media artist with focuses on 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 book store drinking a café au lait, dreaming of being in a Gene Kelly movie, and planning a fun evening with friends, snacks, and card games.
I am currently an 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. My career has brought me many different job opportunities including a Visual Arts Teacher, workshop facilitator, Community Arts Minister at a church, 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 look forward to growing in my artistry and art business by continuing to teach, travel, and make new connections.