Meet Jessica Chan-Charette | Artist & Owner of Sowing Ground

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

Hi Jessica, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“With action comes clarity” is a quote I like to keep top of mind. As an artist operating a small business, I wear a lot of hats. Juggling numerous tasks and making challenging decisions comes with the territory, which doesn’t always leave a lot of time to create.

When I feel overwhelmed or unsure, just getting started is the hardest part. In those moments, I try to remind myself that making progress, no matter the amount, leads to forward momentum. In the midst of “doing,” what to do next becomes more apparent.

It’s similar to why keeping a sketchbook or making time for a creative practice is important. The more you draw, the more your skills improve and the direction to take your work becomes clearer. For combatting the intimidation of a blank page, maintaining a consistent artistic aesthetic across my products or deciding on a new course to take, the first step is to just begin.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My own creative journey began as a curious kid. I was always trying to get my hands on new supplies to explore more ways to make art. Despite having supportive parents, growing up Asian American I struggled a lot with fear and self-confidence. Chinese culture is based on a performance & shame/reward structure that often considers artistic pursuits a foolhardy career path. Despite graduating with a BA in printmaking & book arts, I pursued a different path out of self-doubt. Through a series of unfortunate workplace situations, I wound up with repetitive stress injuries in both arms. But thankfully, I see now that all of this was a series of necessary stepping stones to the current and wonderful chapter of my life!

After moving to Washington state from California with my husband, Bryce, I found myself with few options for work due to my physical limitations. A period of unemployment turned out to be a serendipitous, liminal space that allowed me to rediscover my love for art. I was delighted to find that drawing, painting, embroidering, etc. didn’t aggravate my chronic condition. When I am creating, I am able to forget those limits. I can explore new avenues using my imagination while simultaneously challenging myself to grow as an artist.

Now, Sowing Ground is the field in which I am planting the seeds of my dreams again. It has been a blessing to watch those seeds sprout, develop and grow. ​The name Sowing Ground serves as a personal reminder that my life is an open field, full of potential and promise.

Through my business, I have the opportunity to use art to encourage and bring cheer to others, just like it has been a comfort to me. I believe in the power of art to inspire and connect us, so I specialize in creating sweet & uplifting products that commemorate life’s moments and connect people. All Sowing Ground paper goods and stationery feature original nature-inspired illustrations and are designed for both gifting and collecting. I also have a line of handmade products including polymer clay earrings/accessories, iron-on embroidery patches, naturally dyed gift tags and resin lapel pins.

My products are not just beautiful things to me, they are seeds that can lead to a harvest of joy as they take root in the lives of my customers and clients!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live outside the small town of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Northern ID is an amazing destination for those who love outdoor activities. We are surrounded by lakes, rivers, forests and mountains so in every season, there is something to do.

After working up an appetite hiking, stand-up paddling, swimming or offroading, I would take you to grab a delicious burger in town along with a huckleberry lemonade or milkshake. Canada is a short drive north or we can explore Sandpoint, the next town over.

Spending time with friends over some good food and coffee is always on the itinerary, so we would definitely go to Bluebird Bakery, Mugsy’s or Under the Sun. On a slow morning, we could drive down to Coeur d’Alene for brunch at Garnet Cafe then pick up a latte at DOMA, my most favorite coffee roasters!

Each day we would unwind at home by sipping tea on the deck, where we can enjoy beautiful mountain forest views, then round out the night inside with snuggles from my cats, Tuvok and Neelix. They really love people and would love having guests around!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I want to recognize for supporting and cheering me on in my creative business journey. My family, my online community, friends and other artists/small business owners are a major source of inspiration and encouragement. Of course, I can’t forget to thank my retail customers and wholesale stockists, without them Sowing Ground wouldn’t exist.

One book that has been fundamental to my creative practice is “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. Working through the text and workbook felt like undergoing art therapy. I was able to reframe a lot of negative self-talk, break through fear-based artist block, build better self-care and art practices and most importantly, learn to see myself as a worthy investment. This book is not just for visual artists, but for anyone looking to live a more joyful life by exercising the creative power that is inside of each of us!

Website: www.sowingground.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowingground/ | @sowingground

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sowingrnd | @sowingrnd

Other: Tik Tok: @sowingground Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sowingground/ | @sowingground Faire: https://sowingground.faire.com