Jessica Cochrane, the enigmatic, bright eyed fashion-in-veins artist is one of Canberra's finest exports. Now based in Woolongong, working towards a design degree and fashion blogging with the best. (
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I have to say when first met Jess, was completely awestruck by her sheer raw talent, drive and ease with channelling her art form. For me, being from a similar arts/graphic design background - in many ways wish I'd been more like Jess - thriving as an artist instead of running the corporate rat race when beginning. To be driven by pure art and organic passion, is
one of the most honest things you can do in this life.
Jessica will go far with anything she decides to do creatively. It's inspiring just hanging around someone so lovely! Naturally, this boho kitten comes from an artist family who were kind enough to allow us to shoot around their home and in her studio.
There's so much beauty and depth in what Jess creates. A knowing, story telling fashion illustrative approach to art. I remember visiting her working on the wall for
LA DE DA bar, she was able to literally draft and recreate on this massive space. It was beautiful to witness the creative process happening live. I felt shivers - knowing first hand just how much work would go into such a piece of modern wall art brilliance.
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| Painting wall art at LA DE DA |
Among the ridiculously gorgeous closet of high fashion items - one of my faves was a very cute pair of zebra wedge Jeffrey Campbell's. Have no idea how anyone actually walks in those bad boys, but do know I want to find out... ;) Jessica poses with an absolute command of her body, having modelled before as an artists model - she takes direction amazingly and really thinks of how to move in different ways to ensure a better photo outcome. LOVE that.
Hope ya'll enjoy the photos. We had a great afternoon working together on these. Admittedly, this shoot is from last season, and due to a world trip, finally posting today. I love them just as much now as I did then, am happy to share with you, kittens. Enjoy!
Have a beautiful day!
Allura xxx
Question 1: Tell me about yourself. - What do you do, What are your passions, What brings you happiness?
Jessica: "Well I’m Jess.
What do I do? Just stuff mostly. I work at General Pants Co. in the city playing with clothes all day and styling people up which is super fun. If I’m not at work then I’m usually avoiding my UNI work by painting naked chicks or taking photos and finding inspiration through clothing, music and late nights, or drinking coffee. Lots of coffee
I am the sort of person who, if is not passionate about, or inspired by what they are doing, will fuck it off entirely. So I guess I am passionate about everything I involve myself with. Fashion, art, love, everything. Passion is what keeps me happy."
Question 2: Tell me about your work (& journey) as an Artist? How long have you been creating?
Jessica: "I’ve been drawing since I came out of the womb. I can’t remember a time when I was ever not drawing or sketching or playing dress ups. My dress up box when I was a kid was definitely enviable.
The first artistic achievement of mine was probably having my work chosen to be exhibited in Head Space 8 at the National Portrait Gallery when I was in high school.
When I got to college I studied art, graphic design and photography. And happily fell victim to hiding out in the art room at lunch sketching out images of models that I had torn out of every imaginable fashion and pop culture publication. I also started attending life drawing classes outside of college, which most people were surprised and curious about considering I was 16 and gladly drawing the naked female form. But I have never seen it as a big deal. The naked body is a pretty beautiful piece of work. I’ve always found women and girls are the main subject in my artistic work.
Last year I started studying graphic design at UC but have felt more inclined to work as an artist and illustrator in the last few months. I made a blog to keep as a record of my work and through the blog, I have been offered amazing opportunities around Canberra such as painting a mural at the super cool bar, La De Da, and several exhibitions at other bars and rad spots.
I’m currently working on a solo exhibition so I’m really allowing my self free reign. Its really exciting to watch this body of work progress and speak to you."
Question 3: Describe your style in 3 words
Jessica: "Not too girly."
Question 4: Who inspires you, What style icons do you look to for inspiration?
Jessica: "I guess if I had to sum up who and what inspires me and my style it would be anyone that brings their work to a personal, off-beat level and doesn’t give a toss what others think because they are doing it for themselves, not for others. "
Question 5: Who is your favourite designer/ artist?
Jessica: "I can’t count on fingers and toes how many designers and artists and other things inspire me. I’m inspired every day by something. However, a few favourites worthy of mention are:
Alexander McQueen, Gustav Klimt, Egan Schiele, Scott Schuman and his blog The Sartorialist, any dude or dudette cruising the streets, with their own sense of style, and Adelaide based graphic design company MASH. "
Question 6: What are your favourite fashion/accessory items of the moment?
Jessica: "I have a crush on neon yellow at the moment teamed up with black and white."
Question 7: What are you dying to wear this winter?
Jessica: "High waisted jeans and beautiful sheer tops, traffic stopping coats and shoes and curious accessories. I’m also dying over anything with a jungle print or palm tree print on it!"
Question 8: What do you predict will be trending this winter?
Jessica: "Tessellated digital prints, high waisted jeans that are practically a second skin, And fur coats. Oh, and messy sex hair. "
Question 9: What is your favourite colour?
Jessica: "I actually don’t have one! I have tried all my life to pick one but its too hard! I love them all! Embrace all colours I say! They’re all great."
Question 10: If you could choose a song that describes you, what would it be?
Jessica: "Hmm, I’ve never had to think about this before.
Flume’s remix of Zimbabwe by new navy."
BTS
