We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Birzin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
This is such a big question. As a parent, we want the impossible; we want everything we do to have a positive influence on our kids’ lives. I think being honest and open about mistakes I’ve made, and showing them that I am not perfect, might help them stay humble. Hopefully not giving up on my creative endeavors has and will continue to have a positive impact on my two kids. I hope they think of me as someone who has managed to use her skills and passions to create a path for herself, no matter how tough it can be. However, they are still young, so in terms of impact, only time can tell.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My paintings often depict intimate moments of motherhood, but I also enjoy painting the extraordinary qualities and nuances of everyday objects.

In my creative journey, I’ve come to understand that the idea of control is misleading. As a parent, I recognize the boundaries of my impact on my children’s lives. Likewise, as an artist, though I purposefully apply paint to the canvas, the artwork develops in its own unique way. I am not yet sure if my work reflects this compelling parallel between the painting process and the intimate experience of parenting, but I hope to explore the idea further and see where it takes me.

Time is crucial for a painter. We have to maximize every hour of the day. When my youngest was an infant, after putting her to sleep I painted until 3 or 4 in the morning. As they’ve grown older and our lives have changed, I can’t manage those late nights anymore, which makes me very sad. It was my quiet time, when my work unfolded.

Recently, I’ve been focused on commissioned work. It’s exciting and fulfilling to be sought after for my art. It might take time away from my personal practice, but I’m learning to adjust. Balancing parenthood, commissions, and carving out time for my own artistic endeavors is incredibly challenging. I’ve also begun teaching at a local elementary school. It can be a lot. I reminisce about those quiet nights spent painting in solitude. Many times I’ve thought, ‘This is it! This is when I’ll finally complete a body of work.’ I’ve had many moments of feeling like I finally figured it out, thinking, ‘This is how I’ll work and get things done forever.’, but over time I’ve learned everything is constantly evolving. While my current studio setup might be ideal now, it could change tomorrow. I’ve learned to adapt. I’m not discouraged; I’ll establish a new studio that suits my new space and schedule as I need to.

Finding a balance between being present for my kids and fully engaged in my work is my greatest challenge. The kids usually win! It’s essential to me that I’m not only physically present but emotionally available for my children. Similarly, when I’m in my studio, I want to immerse myself in my creative process without distractions. Being pulled out of ‘the zone’ is something I truly dread. The kids can’t just be upstairs or outside. I need to know they are somewhere else, being fully taken care of. I often think of Alice Neel, one of my painting heroes. She may not have been a perfect mother, but her love for her children was evident, even if she also had a deep passion for painting. It’s a delicate dual commitment that demands mindful scheduling, clear boundaries, and the flexibility to adapt—skills I’m still learning and refining.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Red Hook is such a fun neighborhood. A little hard to get to, but I love going down by the water, near the Key Lime Pie shop. You can catch a beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty there.

I would also have to bring anyone visiting Brooklyn to Mexi in Williamsburg, and The Bedford on Stone Street in the Financial District (when it opens in the fall), to show off some of my commissioned paintings and interior design work. Yes, I’ve done a little of that too. Artists have to hustle!

If it’s warm weather, I’d take you out to the Rockaways for a frozen pina colada from Connolly’s and a walk on the boardwalk.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In 2006 I moved to NYC with a group of friends I met at Palomar College in San Marcos, CA. Brittany Romney (HMU), James Thacher (Animator), Rogelio Ramos (Musician). All artists in their own respects. I would not be where I am or who I am without these three. We bonded over great artists and musicians who had paved the way for us in NY, like Patti Smith, The Talking Heads, Television, The Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, etc…

Steven Walls. He was an incredible painter, professor, mentor and irreplaceable friend. I miss him dearly.

In 2011 I spent 4 unforgettable months studying painting in Firenze, Italy with Teresa Jarzynski. Artists need other artists in their lives who support and validate them and Teresa is 100% that for me.

Dumar, my husband. He maintains the most bizarre balance of “crazy yet cautious”, and would do anything for his family.

My dad Jack – the most talented dude I know. He can make or fix anything. I learned so much from him simply from observation.
My mom Pam – for flying out to New York when I was young and dumb to tell me Art School was possible, and pushing me through the doors.

Website: https://www.jessicaplanterbirzin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicamarlies/

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