INTRODUCING ARTIST JESS SWANN

How do you describe your art in your own words?

I describe my paintings as vibrant, colourful dreamscapes. Expressive embodiments of my feelings in the moment or channelled energies inspired by nature and the world around me. They transform my emotional landscape into physical form, creating abstract inner worlds that I invite people to be part of. My love of travel and background in textiles have fuelled my obsession with colour, texture, and movement in my work.

The colour in your work is incredible and seems to communicate feeling in each piece so well. Do you consider the colours selected as a communication tool?

Thank you! For me, painting is an intuitive and spontaneous process. I love how the colours come to life with movement and vibrancy. Being in this flow is extremely cathartic for me. Depending on my mood, the colours I choose can convey tranquillity or turbulence, happiness or difficult feelings. What I love most is how people perceive my work; it can stir up completely different emotions in different people.

Do you visualise themes through your work, either in their creation or after?

I draw inspiration from both the world around me and the world within me. Beautiful light, people's energy, and significant moments in my life all influence my work. The themes often relate to nature, motherhood, rebirth, new beginnings, metamorphosis, and growth.

Could you explain your creative process?

My process involves documenting in sketchbooks and journals. I take photos of things that move me. Painting has always been something I've felt compelled to do. I love having a few pieces of work on the go at the same time, which removes the pressure on a particular piece. I enjoy working across mediums and layering, seeing mistakes, imperfections, and finding beauty there. Music and being in nature is a big part of my process and life. I make music too and painting provides another way for me to bring my visual world into reality with sound and colour.

Could you talk us through a day in the life of you as an artist?

As a new mum, my day starts with a strong coffee, or two... Juggling creative life with a baby can be challenging but it’s the most beautifully rewarding chaos I love to live in. She’s a ball of energy so usually needs a nap midday and once she’s down I can usually jump into my work. I set the scene with music first, then lay out my paints and canvases outdoors if I can - UK weather permitting! I might spend an hour or two in the morning working into new canvasses or my sketch book. When my daughter’s awake I love to paint with her, super messy but she’s so free and expressive which is inspirational, I feel like we’re all aspiring to reclaim that joy and childlike wonder. The reality of being a mother is that my process is long and slow, but this is just a season and as she’s growing, I’ll have more space to spend time in my practice.

What Artists do you look to for inspiration? Any medium!

Hilma af Klimt, Helen Frankenthaler, Cleo Sol, Lynnie Zulu.

Could you talk us through your collaboration with BT?

I'm super excited about my collaboration with BT. It's my first venture with a fashion brand. I love the idea of my paintings being worn and can’t wait to see the clothes in motion. I really admire how BT celebrates all women with the most gorgeous designs.

What is your favourite piece from the collection?

My favourite piece from the collection has to be the two-piece. I love BT’s ethos and what they represent, championing real women, real mothers, real bodies. We all want to feel good, and their fits & designs truly do just that. Green is my favourite colour and I love the placement of the design and the casual fit. The design team are supremely talented and couldn’t have wished for a better team to bring my work to life.

QUICK FIRE 3:

Last song you listened to?

"Kulu" by N'Gou Bagayoko.

Last meal you ate that was truly delicious?

My sister-in-law’s ramen.

Last time you observed a magical life moment?

Watching my daughter take her first steps

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