Statement

My source of inspiration for my paintings is the fiber arts, especially the meditative process of weaving.  In place of yarn I weave with paper to create the effect of an image on the verge of falling to pieces.  At other times the weave defines the female figure or becomes an accessory of the dress.  I am drawn to the dress as a motif because the dress is the epitome of femininity.  It is also an image I associate with fairytales and a nostalgic reminder of a lifestyle that has long since passed into our cultural history. 
 
My process involves soaking paper with watermedia similar to the technique of stain painting introduced by Helen Frankenthaler.  When the paper dries I am left with a surface rich in color, line and form.  After carefully studying each composition I meticulously apply pastel to the surface to create the appearance of folds within the abstracted dress form.  The folds, the dress and the woven elements work together with the pigment to form mysterious abstractions that record the marks of my creative passion.

Bio

Of Swedish Bohemian decent, Jessica Pribula was 
born on a stormy summers eve in rural Northwest Minnesota.  As a child she grew up sculpting objects from natural clay deposits found on the farm and sketching ideas for dresses.  As a young adult Jessica’s passion for art was cultivated throughout high school.  Her studies continued at the University of North Dakota where she was introduced to the fiber arts and quickly became captivated with weaving and surface design.  After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fibers Jessica graduated with a Master of Fine Arts from Central Washington University.  

Jessica is talented in several different styles of art, enjoys learning and continues to seek education on a wide variety of topics.  Her early work in both painting and fiber art focused strongly on realism and technical ability.  Although Jessica’s current body of work is more abstract in nature she continues to refine her technical skills and strives to create the highest quality in every piece she produces.  Creating is Jessica’s passion and it is her deepest desire to bring beauty into the world. 

Jessica works as a full-time artist investigating the expressive possibilities of weaving paper.  In her free time she teaches a wide variety of art classes.  In addition to art, Jessica is a 500-hour Certified Purna Yoga Instructor.  She has a deep love of learning. When not in studio, teaching or learning Jessica enjoys yoga, meditation, reading, and spending time in nature.