Check Out Jessica Worland’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Worland.

Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story is of perseverance: finding my voice in the Arts after too many years of self-doubting, withstanding the many hardships and shadows that evade while living with an extreme case of an incurable disease, and learning to always leave room for the light and love of others, enriching your days and allowing space to grow.
The journey started in my older childhood years, when the body changes, and to my misfortune, I was dealt the cards of a ravaging disease called Endometriosis. This disease is incredibly misunderstood, under represented, and often far too late with being diagnosed. I was told by doctors at a young age that I was suspected to have this due to my severe pain and other symptoms, but this was not confirmed nor properly treated for the extreme effects until 25 years too late. The torturous years of unexplained hurt after endless tests, appointments, procedures, surgeries and hospital visits can not be undone, but they do often seep into my artistic visions and are pure motivation for self advocacy in fighting for the health of myself and many.
The Arts have always been something I not only immerse deeply in, but they are also a deep part of what I want to share through expression. I initially gained more confidence in Art School for my college years. Art School was so incredible in pushing me beyond my comfort zone and instilling life long mastery in more areas than I imagined, but soon after college I lost all confidence as any paying jobs with Art were hard to come by or hard to cater to specifically. I dabbled back into the Arts on only sparse small things. I felt lost, and my body continued to have such hardships that I often spiraled in depression spells and completely doubted a meaning to my purpose.
It wasn’t until my mid-thirties that the sparks truly started to flicker again. I was invited to The Denver Chorale by my middle school director. I was given solos and small ensembles which not only boosted my confidence and stage courage, but it started to allow room for me to experiment with changing song arrangements and adding flare with soulful additions, notes and runs that were my own.
The inner demons kept telling me most of my life that I wasn’t good enough, I wasn’t well enough or that it was too late to try. I feel like so many special people have entered my life for the better, and in those self doubting moments, they were the ones that offered an encouraging light. It’s amazing to reflect on the smallest of actions that led me to where I stand, even a friend dubbed me the “Skydork” for my love of taking photos of the sky, now it is my moniker and part of my identity on Instagram.
It was with the encouragement of close ones that I continued to follow my heart’s wanting in fronting a rock/metal band. After countless dead ends with trying out and feeling discouraged, a helpful final nudge kept me going and I started Orna, the original band that is my second home and going strong today. We have had many local shows, written a great deal of original material and are about to release our second album. I had some doubts throughout that I was still too old and waited too long to be a part of a band, but that has since melted away. Age is truly a number, it’s never too late to fill your purpose and find things that make you happy. Orna has also allowed room for my visual art to be incorporated. It is often a vulnerable space to share, but with this also brings people together as they can attach their personal signifiers and find meaning in what we display. Not to mention this local music community has been so welcoming, truly a home away from home with friendships and connections that keep spreading.
There were so many dark moments in my life and struggles in my days when my disease took over. Through personal research to find the right medical team, outreach, and the endless support of my family and friends, I am able to keep striving for these sincere ways to share a part of me. Time is healing, and the growth and change that has taken shape has already shown me so much of the positive change that I want to strive for. I stand today in a physical body that has survived 7+ surgeries including the loss of 4 organs, fighting for a life where wellness doesn’t always feel well, a vocalist who finally found her voice fronting a band with a distinctive sound, weaving my art/photography/writing more frequently and in impactful ways, and through the warm love of family and friends who become family am learning more and more to find the grace of good moments and good things. The darkness will still creep in, but I feel more confident in reaching out during those struggles. Those memories of the lows remind me of where I was, but even if I can’t see the finished picture, I have a better idea of where I need to go.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think some of my biggest struggles stem from the worst days with Endometriosis. It is a lonely feeling when constantly finding dead ends in treatment, walking the medical hallways often alone, enduring the dizzying pain and horrible symptoms all while hiding behind a smile. I feel like my disease in a way kept me from feeling the highs in my life as they should be felt. It takes over your mindful well being, which while I know I come from a place of deep hurt, a poignant dark beauty also comes into the light as I spill my art, my songs, my words.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do have a day job, but I am most proud of being the lead vocalist for Orna, a unique original rock/metal band that I helped form. It took me most of my life to gain the courage to follow a dream to be in a band. I now realize it’s never too late to find your purpose. What sets me apart is my unique vocal sound with a wide range that embodies soulful, haunting, and dynamic aspects. Being a visual artist also sets me apart, especially with the expressive dark touch I give to human-relating themes that are brought up in unexpected but worthwhile ways.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I think the biggest support comes from lifting my disease that is often overlooked into the conversation. It effects far too many to not be well known, and by bringing it more in the light, there can be more efforts for change in how it is approached and research towards a cure. I have suffered immensely from Endometriosis in multitudes of ways, and will always keep fighting for a chance in a better quality in my days and the health and wellbeing for those like me.
Lifting female voices in the music and arts is also incredibly important and a way to connect to my journey. We are still fighting harder for a place to stand in this industry, and by supporting and sharing, we begin to find better ground to be heard and seen.
I would be very open to collaborate with partners who have like-minded views and are fighting for the better good.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ornaband.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orna_band/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrnaBand
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OrnaBand-yn7yk/featured
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-187938281/sets/songs-with-jess-vocals
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/JD_Worland

Image Credits
Morgan Elizabeth Media
EMCook Photography
MWAA Photography
Bobby Malone
SkyDork