Precision In Every Cut: The Mastery Of Jessica Weathersby’s Paper Art
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Studio photo by Carolyn Lewis [/caption]
Arts reporting by Carolyn Lewis
Art is a deeply personal journey, and for Jessica Weathersby, it has been a lifelong exploration. From early childhood experiments with a paintbrush and a bucket of water to her refined and intricate hand-cut paper works, Weatherby’s artistic path has been shaped by a combination of influences, training, and self-discovery.
Weatherby’s passion for art was fostered by her parents—her mother, a talented gardener, and her father, a neon artist based in Los Angeles. She pursued formal education in the arts, earning a BFA from the University of Montevallo in 1997 and an MFA from West Virginia University in 2003. It was during her thesis project that she discovered the potential of paper cutting. Originally trained in printmaking, she experimented with lithography, relief, and intaglio. Her thesis featured eight-foot-tall varnished mulberry paper pieces incorporating collagraphs, relief prints, and monotypes. As she refined her work, she began cutting, patching, and exploring paper from multiple angles, leading to her signature style.
Approaching each new piece with a balance of structure and spontaneity, she starts with rough sketches using a Sharpie, allowing the process to evolve organically. Some works begin as doodles, while others involve a more deliberate approach. She described her workflow as ”building to about 80% completion before adding unexpected elements—often something pink—to push the composition further and to decide how to finish it.” She enjoys working with handmade and decorative papers but uses an iridescent base layer with plastic content to prevent the Sharpie from bleeding. While her work is entirely hand-crafted, she occasionally photographs her pieces to assess composition from a different perspective.
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Weathersby’s work is characterized by patterns, paper, and swoopy markmaking. Photo by Carolyn Lewis [/caption]
Weathersby finds inspiration in artists such as Judy Pfaff, Francis Whitehead and Karen Kunc. She recognizes similarities between her work and contemporary trends but believes her approach introduces fresh ideas and techniques. Her work bridges the line between two-dimensional and sculptural art, layering and cutting paper from both sides to create visual depth. She has also recently begun creating sculptural paper earrings, experimenting with fixatives to ensure durability.
Themes in her work explore the relationship between the microscopic and the astronomical, from nerve bundles and firing synapses to celestial maps. She described the process as “being like a suffocating blanket and gradually cutting away to allow holes to breathe so that all that is left is lacey structural beauty.”
Working with paper presents unique challenges, including protecting it from light and environmental factors. She continuously searches for the ideal shellac and fixative that will preserve color and structure—while also keeping her curious cats Gravy and Boris Badenov at bay!
Weathersby hopes her art invites viewers to spend time contemplating its layers, colors, and textures. She wants them to wonder about the process and leave with a sense of excitement and curiosity. Over time, her work has become more intricate, moving toward larger compositions that capture the journey and process more visibly. She aims to create larger-scale works with, she says, “more room to breathe while maintaining the meticulous detail that defines my style.”
For those interested in exploring more of Jessica Weathersby’s work, visit www.artfarmersofpt.com or follow her on Instagram at Jessica.Weathersby.artwork.
Carolyn Lewis is a serial entrepreneur, artist, and community builder happily living and volunteering in Port Townsend. Visit her social media group on Facebook at Port Townsend Life and follow her on Instagram @linalewisart
