An Interview with artist Jessica Culver!

Rainbow Dancers

Meet Jessica, the artist and creative mind behind Sweet Murmur and J. M. Culver Fine Art!

Tell us a little about you, your artwork and your creative business?

I’ve been an independent professional artist since 2006, when I received my BFA in Painting from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I work full-time in my art studio in Northeast Minneapolis, Minnesota. I primarily create oil paintings, charcoal drawings, and mixed media artwork. I recently started created hand-painted jewelry for one of my Etsy Shops. I do a variety of custom artwork including pet portraits, figure portraits, landscapes, still life, flowers, and abstract. You name it! I love experimenting with different materials and subject matter. It’s hard work being an independent artist, but I can’t imagine art not being the center of my life.

Modern Portrait of a Woman with a Blue Chair

Can you describe a typical workday for you?

I head over to my art studio early in the morning. I respond to emails and do other computer work while I drink my coffee. The best way to manage my time is to step away from the computer after I finish my coffee. I work on my art for 12-15 hours a day.

I have several tables set up around the studio so I can move to the next project while the previous one is drying. This really helps me manage my time and gives me the opportunity to experiment more. I usually sleep over at my studio for a few days so I’m more productive. I take one day off a week where I stay home and do computer and marketing work.


I noticed you have two Etsy shops - why did you decide to do it this way?

I decided to open two Etsy shops to separate my two different styles of artwork. I opened my first Etsy shop, J. M. Culver (http://jmculver.etsy.com), in 2007. It features my personal artwork that focuses on my childhood memories. Most of the artwork is black and white and muted color. There are original oil paintings, charcoal drawings, mixed media, and giclee prints available. I also accept custom art orders.

I opened my second Etsy shop, Sweet Murmur (http://sweetmurmur.etsy.com), in 2011. It features colorful and decorative original artwork and prints for the home and office. There are landscapes, portraits, flowers, and abstracts. There’s a little something for everyone. Oil paintings, charcoal drawings, mixed media art, watercolors, giclee prints, and art magnets are available. I also do custom artwork in any style, size, and subject matter. I launched my first jewelry line this year, Sweet Murmur Jewelry, which features hand-painted and fused glass jewellery  They are all one of a kind wearable art pieces. Three words that describe my jewellery are: Modern, Bold, and Elegant.

Where do you find your inspiration? 

I love visiting the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, the Walker Art Center, the Weisman, and local art galleries for inspiration. I am an art book addict and own over 200 books that I have displayed in my art studio. When I need inspiration I can just grab a book off the shelf. Some of the artists that I love are Lucien Freud, Jenny Saville, Willem de Kooning, Jim Dine, Alex Kanevsky, Modigliani, Chaim Soutine, Ann Gale, Alice Neel and Jerome Witkin.

Somersaults (left), The Owls (top right) and Black Birds II (bottom left)

What struggles do you face as an artist? How do you manage/overcome these?

I sometimes have artist-blocks and have a hard time getting motivated. It really helps to carry my sketchbook everywhere I go. I can write down any ideas that pop in my head and do quick sketches. When I am struggling with new ideas, I can go through my sketchbooks and usually can find something that I haven’t explored yet. Sometimes I just have to force myself to put that first brushstroke on the blank canvas and just go for it. Once I get going, I’m excited and really enjoy myself whether it turns out well or not.


Other than art, what gives your life meaning? What makes you tick?

Art really is the center of my life and during my free time, I visit art museums and galleries. My Siamese cat, Ms Morgan, is also a very important part of my life and demands a lot of my attention.

If you could travel anywhere in the world for a month-long artists retreat where would you go and why?

I would really love to travel to the countryside in France. It would be amazing to be surrounded by beautiful nature and a peaceful atmosphere to really focus on my artwork away from the distractions of the big city.


What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

I would advice aspiring artists to work hard on developing their technical skills, but to always keep experimenting. It’s okay to create “bad” art. Not everything you create is going to be great. You learn from your mistakes. I think it helps to stand in front of the empty canvas and think “It’s okay if I fail. I’m just going to paint today.” I think it’s also important for aspiring artists to know that it takes a lot of work to be a full-time professional artist. You have to spend a lot of time marketing and networking. It is worth the hard work if you can do what you love for a living.

Girl with Strings

And finally, some one-word answers - what is your favourite:

Colour? Mauve
Animal? Siamese Cat
Food? Sushi
Drink? Bubble Tea
Season? Fall
Movie? Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind


Find Jessica online.... 

Sweet Murmur Etsy Shop | Facebook | Twitter

J. M. Culver Etsy Shop | Facebook | Twitter | Website