Jess Chalmers was born in Grahamstown (now Makhanda) in the Eastern Cape. She comes from a family of artists. Having left for the UK in 1995, she pursued her musical career, establishing herself in London as a performer and a teacher.
However, Jess always simultaneously pursued her interest in Fine Art. Having attended many Life Drawing courses over two decades, she has built up a considerable portfolio of her own. More recently, she has completed several courses at the prestigious London Drawing School, where she has concentrated on drawing the human figure and on portraiture.
Jess’s work explores the intersection of form, feeling, and story. Through a rapid mixed media approach, she seeks to capture her subject’s essence — both in strength and vulnerability.
She has recently further diversified into landscape and flower drawings.
Jess will additionally be running varied and immersive workshops. These workshops will be open to everyone and will seek to provide a meditative, and inspirational experience grounded in observation and creative drawing.
Jess has also developed a range of cards, which explores the fusion of poetry and art, using text and image to expand her language of expression.
Art, for Jess, embraces a slowing down and a more focussed attention. It encourages a deeper exploration of a multi-faceted life.
Through her drawings, courses, and creative projects, she aims to inspire others to inhabit themselves more richly and engage with the world more abundantly — she aims to communicate and instil a spirit of courage and curiosity, and a glorious sense of wonder.