Artist of La Crosse: Jessica Waller-Simdars
Artists of La Crosse, WI: This is a series dedicated to local artists of the La Crosse area.
The purpose of this project is to bring awareness to the art community, what artists stand for, their purpose, their mediums, about the artist themselves and most importantly to connect everyone to one another.
For my project, I will be creating a piece dedicated to the artist and their art. It is a piece that integrates the two together; The process of this involves me taking a portrait of the artist and then creating a double exposure of the artist with their art
In conclusion ~ Make art of the artist and their art
It's like art to the third power or art inception!
This is a fun and interactive way for other artists to meet one another or learn about eachother. I will be sharing a new artist weekly so please make sure to check back in to see the new featured artist.
as always~ Enjoy!
This Week's Feature
Artist name: Jessica Waller-Simdars (Abracadabra Refurbished)
Medium(s): Furniture Artist and Refurbisher
Instagram: abrarefurbishedday
Email: waller366@gmail.com
Facebook: Abracadabra Refurbished
Her Statement
Hello, my name is Jessica Waller-Simdars. I am a Wisconsin based artist and have been honing my furniture refurbishing skills for several years now. Growing up in La Crosse, I have always been surrounded by nature’s beauty and inspiring art, as my mother was also an artist. Surrounding myself with inspiring vintage antiques and reclaimed art was once done only for providing my five children with a loving and inviting home. However, this passion grew into a hobby and is now a business called Abracadabra Refurbished. George, my amazing handyman husband, helps with this business and with our second business called Jessica’s Fine Cleaning Services. Our first big commision was for Dharma Retreat Properties in Lancing Iowa. Michelle Gauer, the owner, was a pleasure to work with. My beautiful reclaimed art and furniture is absolutely exquisite and is well worth a look!
When did you notice that you had a love for art? Growing up what were your major influences as an artist?Other artists, Life events?
I have always, loved art as far back as I can remember! My mother and father both were great hobby artists and my sister is an art teacher. So it's safe to say, it runs in my blood. In school, my favorite class was Art and everyone new my aspirations were to be an artists when I grew up. I have learned that art can be found in anything and everything. It is just a matter of personal taste and preference.
Are you originally from La Crosse? If not, where are you from and how long have you lived here?
I was born in Lacrosse, and lived most of my life here.
What message do you want to share about your art?
I am not necessarily trying to communicate any moods or feelings through my art at this point in my process. I am, however, more of a Formalism type of artist that focuses on deign qualities and organization of such elements as color, texture, shape, space and compositional balance.
What do you stand for as an artist? What is your process or headspace you get into while creating new pieces?
Time flies for me when I'm creating. It's a huge stress reliever for me. I find furniture art very exciting, fun and challenging all at the same time. I'm also motivated to do good for my family and be a good remodel. I'm honored, and appreciate that I can use my love for art as a means to help support my growing family. The artist Salvador Dali once said "A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others”.
What does the piece you chose for this project mean to you? Why did you choose this one vs other pieces you have created?
This dresser was a challenge for me. I love this dresser because I was able to express myself and distinguish myself from others. This piece represents my aesthetic mind space at this stage in my artistic development. I think the artist Edward Hopper said it best, ”If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint”
