Jessica Libor
“My work is about the feminine protagonist creating her own personal mythology and meaning. In life, our choices help us discover who we are and who we are going to be. It is through this process of self discovery that we begin to know ourselves. Through using the symbology and tropes found within fairytales, I explore the concept of the virgin’s promise: the process of self discovery that the heroine faces that forces her to turn inwards and to find her own identity; making choices all her own against prevailing odds. It is through strengthening her own sense of self and ownership of her destiny that the protagonist creates the ability to improve her own life and the lives of those within her kingdom. Other concepts that relate to my work are the reflection of nature mirroring the feminine biology and spirit, the use of costuming and fashion to create identity, and animal symbology.
My mediums include oils, mixed media, precious metals, dry mediums such as pastel and charcoal, and sometimes film and installation. I love the idea of making a precious object, such was created historically with the use of precious materials. When I use gold and silver leaf, I am conscious of this alchemical and sacred history as I create my own precious object imbued with ideas and meaning.”
Jessica Libor is an American artist who received her Master of Fine Arts from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2014. She works in her studio in Philadelphia, and also serves as an art professor at Harcum College.
What initially sparked your interest in art?
I fell in love with Beatrix Potter's illustrations as a child! As a young adult, I loved Maxfield Parrish and N.C. Wyeth's work, it was endlessly fascinating and magical to me!
What connects your work together and what keeps you creating?
What connects my work together is a sense of the heroine's journey throughout all of time.
Describe your work using three words.
Enchanting, mysterious, grounded.
What are you most proud of as an artist, whether it's a specific moment or who you are as an artist?
I am proud of how I follow my intuition and follow through on most of the projects that I begin!
If you could be in a two-person exhibition with any artist from history, who would it be and why?
Living: Brad Kunkle--his work is so masterful and delicate, and has inspired me for years. From another time: John Waterhouse, his luscious paint applications and romantic depictions of myths have always been close to my heart.
