Artist Statement

Hello, my name is Jessica Gebauer. I am a creative person and have been so since I was little. My artistic path became serious when I decided to attend Savannah College of Art and Design after high school. As a Metalsmithing Major, I explored my creative side mostly through the exploration of metalworking. Though I was required to take classes in other fields and have done well in them, I have been drawn more toward three dimensional work. In 2004 I left SCAD and returned home to New Jersey, where I work professionally for four years as a gold and platinumsmith for some of the regions finest jewelers.

Working as a jeweler I learned a lot about myself as a person. I realized it would be hard for me to work in the jewelry field for the rest of my life. It was not creative enough for me and also tends to be a male dominated field where female jewelers are not always respected. I also learned that I love for my hands to be busy. While working as a jeweler, my hands became very good at their tasks and I enjoyed letting them do what they know best. During this process my mind was able to relax and explore.

My art now is a bit all over the place. I am attempting to explore as many mediums as possible to find the right fit. I have done a few sculptures and installations that have been very successful and I hope to continue the process of self exploration through my art. I am still waiting to find the perfect combination of process and creativity, but the journey is half the fun. For me, art really is about getting to know myself better. I have no style, or subject matter that takes my fancy for every piece I do, I feel that, at least for the present time, the process is most important regardless of the medium or subject.