I am a sculptor based in Washington Township, Gloucester County. I specialize in hand-painted spherical sculptures crafted from cement. My passion for creating these spheres comes from the immersive process of shaping them, which allows me to be fully present in the studio.
With its celestial origins, the sphere has a unique ability to evoke feelings of groundedness, centeredness, and calmness. The soothing effects of this shape deeply move me, and it is important to offer others the same tranquil experience.
My creative process involves manually sculpting hollow spheres and then decorating them with diverse painting techniques. I often use various shades of color to give the spheres a planet-like appearance or paint intricate scenes that draw viewers in. The satisfaction I derive from placing the finished sculptures in different landscapes is profound. It’s always reaffirming to witness how they merge with the landscape, interacting with their surroundings in unexpected ways. I deeply believe that my spherical sculptures, with their playfulness, balance, and beauty, serve as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness and the beauty that can be found in unexpected places, inspiring and uplifting all who encounter them.
Growing up in Philadelphia, art was a constant presence in Jessica's early life. Surrounded by artists, their studios, and their creative processes, she developed a deep appreciation for art as a profound expression of inner thoughts and emotions.
During her studies at The University of the Arts and later at The Pacific NW College of Art (PNCA), Jessica explored how color, texture, and form shape perception. Her goal became to use these elements to evoke emotions through her work.
Jessica is particularly drawn to the sphere, a shape that resonates with her on multiple levels. Like the ancient Greeks who saw the circle as a symbol of divine and natural balance, Jessica finds the sphere to represent stability, equilibrium, and a serene sense of peace.
Working out of her garage, Jessica creates spheres and bases from cement. Each sphere has a hollow interior, featuring either a solid shell or one made from cement-soaked yarn. She uses acrylic or spray paint to add color, incorporating images and text, and designs various stands—including rocks, tree stumps, and traditional square bases. Her creations range from 5 to 50 inches in size and are sealed with a UV/weather-resistant finish to ensure durability.
Jessica’s artistic journey is complemented by her academic and professional background. She holds a BFA in Painting and Sculpture from PNCA and an MSW from Temple University. Her commitment to both art and social work is evident in her career; she has practiced as a Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has taught art at community centers like the Boys and Girls Club. Recently, she led a high school Environmental Science class in two public art projects focused on climate resilience through NJ Audubon's RiSC program.
Her dedication to the arts is further demonstrated by her affiliations with organizations such as Americans for the Arts, the NJ Council for the Arts, the South Jersey Cultural Alliance, and the Gloucester County Arts League. These connections not only reflect her commitment but also provide valuable networking opportunities with fellow artists and enthusiasts.
Jessica’s achievements include receiving the Camden Fireworks Self-Taught Artist Grant, the South Jersey Cultural Alliance Covid Relief Grant, and the Selected Artist Award from NJ State's Climate Resilience Community-Based Public Art Program. She is also recognized for her contributions to the RiSC NJ Climate Resilience program in 2024.
In addition to her creative work, Jessica continues to exhibit in art gallery shows, teach classes and workshops throughout South Jersey, and actively contribute to the artistic community.
2002-2004
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
MSW, Social Work
1996-1999
Pacific NW College of Art, Portland, OR
BFA, painting/sculpture
1994-1995
University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Painting
2023
Self-Taught Artist Award, Camden Fireworks, Camden, NJ
2022
South Jersey Artist & History Professional COVID Relief Grant. SJCA & H.E.A.R. committee
2004 - Present
Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Specialty in families and children, NJ
2024
Instructor, Cape May Technical Institute High School RiSC student science class to create two public art sculptures, Audubon, NJ
Resilient Schools and Communities (RiSC), Cape May Technical Institute, Cape May Courthouse, NJ
Instructor, Four Jersey Shore Technical Institute Schools, NJ Audubon, Cape May Science Center, Cape May, NJ
Instructor, Paint a Sphere Workshop, Old Pine Farm House, Deptford, NJ Instructor, Paint a Sphere Workshop, DC Gallery and Studio, Millville, NJ Instructor, Paint a Sphere Workshop, Private Residence, Sewell, NJ
Instructor, How to Make a Sphere Workshop, Private Residence, Mt. Laurel, NJ
Instructor, How to Pour a Mold with Cement, Private Lesson, Washington Township, NJ
2023
Instructor, two community painting workshops
Climate Resilience Community-Based Public Art Grant, NJ State Council on the Arts, NOAA, NJ Coastal Management, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Ocean City Arts Center, Longport, NJ
Instructor, two community painting workshops
Climate Resilience Community-Based Public Art Grant, NJ State Council on the Arts, NOAA, NJ Coastal Management, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Ocean City Arts Center, Strathmere, NJ
2023-Present
The Sustainable Washington Township Creative Team
2023
“How to Sculpt with Cement”, Lecture, Gloucester County Arts League, Deptford NJ