Jessica Grace Bechtel | Artist, Gypsy, Wallflower

Thanks to Cincinnati Opera whose through a partnership with Art Design Constultants have shown my work in their offices in Music Hall.

This image is a sneak peak from a collaborative project
I'm working on with artists Barry Carlin, Holly Risch
and Linda Crank. You'll be hearing more about this in March.

I have new images now in the Boxes and Singles Albums. More coming soon.

For those of you who need advanced notice - I received word that I'll be having an exhibit at The Carnegie in 2009 (October 30-November 25).

I'd also like to shameless promote my friend Beth's new enterprise. She's doing a line of cards -- Christmas and other. Check out her stuff at http://bbelldesigns.com/

Where else to find me:
- Or a few of my drawings and read about why I love being involved with MANIFEST in the Summer 2007 issues of American Artist: Drawing Magazine.
- Or I have work in several of the Manifest catalogs. See www.manifestgallery.org
- Or Google me to find older articles

If you have any interest in being immortalized as part of one of my art projects, let me know. I'm always looking for new models, especially people I know, but haven't been brave enough to ask the favor of. So go the comments page and shoot me a note. (no experience, talent or narcissism required)

Peace.

Five things

Below are five things that I've been thinking about that have affected the way I work and live.

Transformation. It is one of the most amazing and difficult processes I've experienced. The possibility of transforming or being transformed is one of the things that keeps me interested.

Cast-offs. Some things that we throw away, overlook or take for granted are full of truth and beauty. I like the insights and solutions that aren't always obvious. I want to respect even those seemingly unimportant things in my life and work.

Confession. It has been important to my art and my life to admit when I've messed up, even if it means starting over on a project or mending a relationship. I want people who see my art or me to know the real me.

Practice. Sometimes I hate exercises like figure drawing and color studies, but they help. The more I work, the more I learn how to work better.

Contentment. I've learned that when I do not take myself too seriously, I'm more open to critique and I have more fun working. Sometimes finishing a piece doesn't mean I think it is perfect, but I'm OK with the imperfections.

I'd like to thank some of the people who have been more than their fair share of supportive and encouraging. Thanks to my Dad (and my carpenter) and my Mom (and my counselor). To my brother who is my toughest critic. To my fellow artist, Barry Carlin, who has been so generous as to document my work and me in the studio. To my sidekick, the other painter chick. To my painting and travel buddy rebecca. Thanks to Sarah Bunny for everything. Thanks to all the people who come to my shows, the good and the bad. And thanks to God who chose the weak and foolish things of which I am both.