When we asked Jessie what inspires her art, she told us:
"It's hard to name a single thing that inspires me. I find inspiration in all kinds of beauty, and sometimes in ugliness. I often recognize beauty is strange places -- in a gutter, on a billboard, tiny gems that are hidden and exhilarating when I see them.
"I love antiques and flea markets where my goal is to unearth treasure. Sometime, I'll watch a film and leave forgetting the story altogether, but fascinated by a color or form I saw. At other times, a conversation or an article will make me think and have an influence on my work.
"I love and admire crafts that don't seem possible or practical anymore -- like old doorknobs and hinges or stone mason facades.
"When I design and make Jewelry (my full time job), these are the approaches and techniques that excite me the most. And, these same techniques are the ones I most enjoy at La Mano. Refined lines and ornate decoration are an inspiring part of these processes for me. So, I concentrate on slow, detailed carving and learning to manipulate ceramic tools, which are often an exercise in patience and concentration.
"Most of all, I think the always supportive and incredibly productive environment at La Mano inspires me. The people are so committed to their work and it's all so beautiful -- I just want to do it too!"