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

Hi Jessica, how do you think about risk?
I think as an artist and just a person all around, when you see risk you see it as this daunting thing that leads to failure but don’t realize behind all of that is just fear and anxiety. Taking a risk can just be trying a new medium, putting your work out there, completely changing direction in your life, or however you define it. I didn’t realize that taking risks led me to redefine failure and fear in that you don’t fail and fear is not real, but you gain wisdom and insight to yourself through your craft and the world around you. I also think this is where having anxiety can be a good push for any creative, you can’t feel like you’re taking a risk without anxiety or it would just feel too familiar and comfortable in whatever choice you make. My perspective on risks changed in seeing that it brought me new opportunities, it is just all mental. In my relationship with art, I was nervous to try out new mediums or put myself out there because I’m a pretty anxious person. To my surprise, I gained a lot of recognition and a boost in my art career, which I didn’t think would be possible. I always say if you want to try something new but feel uncomfortable just go for it without a second thought. In a way, I think of taking risks as being an advocate for yourself because you’re changing the narrative for yourself, it’s like the butterfly effect.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I first started with painting and later grew into working with sculpting, assemblages and I guess you can call it fashion repurposing. Right now, I’ve been working on a series of altering old computer mice into headphones which is a form of E-waste repurposing art. I always had an obsession with computer part accessories and headphones from the ’90s and early 2000s and loved the shape of how computer mice looked and how cool it would be to make headphone covers themself. I think working with assemblages prior is what gave me the idea as well as how to execute it. But so far, I have been mostly working on multiple projects at once going back and forth with sculpting with clay, assemblages, repurposing, painting, hair accessories and now airbrushing! I am currently not working on orders or commissions right now unfortunately due to scheduling but plan to reopen selling in early summer so I am looking forward to it. I certainly love practicing and taking up new mediums, it’s a new way to express yourself authentically and gives me different perspectives. I think it’s important as a woman of color artist to uplift others and embrace versatility to break beyond those barriers and obstacles we might face in the art world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would go check out the Broad Museum, the Getty (both of them), Huntington Library, and the Norton Simon as some options for museums if they’re into art. There are also a bunch of local galleries around that are more niche that’s fun to check out. If you’re a huge cinephile and into pretty scenery I would go to the Hollywood Forever Cemetry where they show movies in the park or the Vista Theatre which is an old historic movie theatre from the ’20s. I also love to spend time in Little Tokyo and Chinatown all the food there is good and I love all the stores around. Some of my favorite spots in general to eat and drink are Melody Lounge, Red Lion, and Permanent Records.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wanna give a shoutout to Icee (@Iceewip), Matthew Romasanta (@Mf_romasanta), Ari Murillo (@ariysusfotos), and Jasmine Martinez (@Organ1zed_cha0s). They have given me recognition and support along the way and thankful for them!

Instagram: Evilfaery

Image Credits
Matthew Romasanta, “Morning Star Pendulum” and “Computer Mice Headphones”
Aria Murillo, “Computer Mice Headphones” and Projector shoot

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.