10 questions with Abstract Landscape Artist, Jess Hellens
It’s not often I treat myself to a mid-week art adventure (mainly because: life) but at the start of August I was invited along to The Square Club’s gallery for a preview of their new exhibition. It was my first proper introduction to Jess Hellens’ art and what a wonderful introduction it was. I had seen some of her work on Instagram- just glimpses of colourful, floaty paintings- but I was not prepared for how absorbing her work is in person. A flat digital screen of my ancient iPhone could never truly communicate the deep textures in Jess’s work and how the light bounces off the metallic highlights.
I wasn’t the only one who fell in love with Jess’s art. Across the packed, buzzy room I saw person after person carefully take their just-bought painting off the wall, and, once it was safely wrapped, reverently carry it out the door.
Jess has painted new pieces to re-fill the gallery space. The newest works will be unveiled on September 22nd at The Square Club, 5-7pm, and entry is free.
1. How do you want people to feel when they see your art?
I want people to feel like they can float off into each one.
Everyone I’ve spoken to about my work interprets it completely differently and that’s exactly what I want to happen. And, those interpretations evolve, too! My paintings subtly change depending on the light and the time of day. Features become more prominent or seem to disappear. The highlights and shadows are affected by daylight, just like the landscapes in nature.
I love it when someone falls in love with a piece and they want to take it home. I wonder what it’ll look like on their wall, in their space, once it becomes theirs.
2. How did you become an artist? What’s your origin story?
There are two answers to this question. The simplest answer is I did a BA Hons in Art and Visual Culture. But, I actually didn’t paint for 20 years after I graduated. I started and ran a few businesses and there didn’t seem to be time for me to paint.
The second answer is that I really became an artist in 2024. I went to a ‘Full Moon Circle’ hosted by Desiree Diaz, the founder of Sacred Wise Magick. Desiree led us through a visualisation where she took us into a forest and we were presented with everything we wanted or longed for. Suddenly, everything came into focus. I realised I had been denying my creative, artistic self. It was a sad moment. I saw myself from above- trapped, without creativity- and I had to release myself from that box.
After that session I started painting in my spare room- just playing around with paint and different techniques. Now, I work from In Bristol Studio in Barton Hill. I’ve spent the last year honing my practice and developing my style. I use what I learned in my degree but I also experiment with what speaks to me now.
3. If your paintings were a book, what would that book be?
There’s not one specific book or genre which my paintings immediately connect with. Each one is so different. Perhaps the best book-related description would be: my paintings have the same feeling of delving into a crispy new book and you’ve got no idea where it’ll take you. It’s the feeling of reading and not wanting it to end. Knowing you’ll miss the characters when you finish it.
4. Where do you go to feel inspired?
One of my go-to art experiences in Bristol is the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery at the top of Park Street. I was there recently spending time with the Old Masters paintings. They’re the complete opposite to me and my abstract landscapes but I’m fascinated with their processes. The layering. The other worldly luminosity. The light and dark. It’s all so incredibly complicated and required a huge amount of patience.
5. You recently had your first solo exhibition at The Square Club in Bristol. Tell us about it!
The preview was one of the best nights of my whole entire life. I don’t think I’ll ever experience something like that again. I’m surrounded by the most magical friends and family - I feel very grateful for their support.
I sold a record number of paintings and welcomed 60 people through the doors. I’m currently painting to replace the sold pieces so we’re having another preview of new work on the 22nd of September.
I learnt so much from the whole experience. I learned it’s ok to experiment with my style even when preparing for an exhibition. I also learned even if one of my paintings is my least favourite someone else can love it and buy it! People buy the paintings which make them feel something and are nice to look at.
6. How does Bristol and its famous art scene inspire you?
I am inspired every single day by the Bristol artists I get to hang out with at the studio. I honestly wouldn’t be where I am without them. Community is the key to everyone’s success and I’m so grateful to each one of them!
I did my art degree at UWE so everything I’ve learnt about being an artist has come from the most creative city in the world.
7. Imagine you could only use 3 colours for the rest of your life, what are they?
They would be:
· Windsor and Newton Calligraphy Ink in Sepia
· Windsor and Newton Drawing Ink in Gold
· And any make of fluorescent pink
8. What’s your earliest memory of art or painting?
I ‘painted’ with water on the patio of the house I grew up in. It was small but perfectly positioned so the water would dry quickly and I never ran out of ‘canvas’. I was around 4 years old. My parents have always encouraged me to be an artist; I think that’s really unusual and I feel so lucky to have their support.
9. What are your go-to painting tools and products?
I’ve got a long, wide but pointy brush that I’ve used for pretty much every single painting of mine. I’ve no idea where it came from but it’s got a black and red handle and I love it.
I paint with lots of different mediums and products. Mainly oils, acrylic, ink, and oil pastels. I use a lot of metallics, texture, and iridescent material too. The idea is to bring you a different viewpoint of the landscape whenever and wherever you might be viewing it.
Also, they’re not strictly tools for painting but I always paint with my headphones! I zone out with The X-Files on in the background or I listen to a podcast whilst I paint.
10. Do you have any advice for any aspiring artists?
I want people to know it’s not too late. If there’s anything that you wish you ‘had’ done or ‘could’ do- just take the first step. Life’s too short not to try.
I’m so glad I had a go. It’s not been easy, of course. There have been many times that I’ve not felt “like an artist” at all. The imposter syndrome was real! I never had any expectations other than to have painting in my life. Everything slowly ramped up- promoting my work, sales, commissions, exhibiting in the BS5 Arts Trail 2025. It was then, for the first time probably ever, I felt like I belonged. When The Square Club asked if I’d be their resident artist- I couldn’t believe it!
I really believe there’s no ‘one’ way to be creative. Just get stuck in. Be cringe, lean into feeling like you’re not good at it. Listen to your instincts and just keep going.
Where you can find Jess Hellens’ work:
· Jess’s exhibition at The Square Club is on until October 2026, with another preview of new work on Tuesday 22 September, 5pm-7pm. Entry is free.
· Jess will also be exhibiting as part of the BS5 Arts Trail on the 5th and 6th of September where you can see her work in her studio at In Bristol Studios.
· Find her recent paintings and latest exhibition information on her website jesspaints.com.
Written by Bonnie Harrington, a Bristol-based freelance copywriter. She hates generative AI and loves writing website copy and articles for joyful small businesses. Find her services on her website wordsbybonnie.com.
Up next…More Everyday Articles on Art
· Like: Connected Online. Exhibited irl.
· Curatorial Activism: in the Gallery and the Streets
· The Modern Relevance of The Turner Prize… And Where 2021 Went Wrong
Recipes
