Conversations with Jess Bean

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Bean. 

Hi Jess, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As many artists, I started young. But my first professional mural was at age 17 in my hometown of East Peoria, IL. After that, I was hooked. I actually went right into murals and still haven’t fully finished my first collection of art on canvas. For the next 18 years, I painted murals in the evenings and on my days off. Until I had two hip reconstructions in 2019 and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to paint murals again. My first public project back was a donated wall in support of our local Planned Parenthood. It went well but didn’t require a ladder, so I still had doubts if murals would be in my future. For my next public wall, I applied to Fort Collins Mural Project. I was accepted and was given a wall that allowed me to go high if I chose to. So, I did. I painted a 25 ft tall x 15 ft wide mural on a ladder only and regained my confidence in my body. It felt so freeing. Later that year in the height of the pandemic my full-time employer was showing that he had no care for the safety of his employees. That’s when I decided it was time to become a full-time muralist and start meeting other artists and really cultivate my community. I found a huge amount of support from muralists and artists all over the US and worldwide. We grew our relationships for the next several months, I coached 7 artists through their first mural, and in October of 2021, I decided to camp in my Prius and drive all over the Eastern US to visit as many artists as I could. I went EVERYWHERE. From Fargo, where we painted a tribute mural to local baseball legend and indigenous man Charles Bender. To Maine, NYC. all through the south and even down to Key West. I left Murals in ME, NYC, TN, ND, TX, IL, NC, MA, and OH. I even managed to make it to Art Basel for the first time. So many lifelong connections were made and these artists have now become family to me. Surprisingly, while I was on the road (I took this phone call on the side of the road in rural Western FL) Lindee Zimmer the Founder of Fort Collins Mural Project (FCMP) reached out to me and asked if I would like to join their board. I was so flattered and knew I wanted the responsibility and chance to connect with and grow even more artists. But good ole imposter syndrome did set in until I met the lovely people of Fort Collins Mural Project and they were so empowering to allow all of us to shine in our own way. I have since become the Executive Director of FCMP and I am so excited for all that FCMP offers to Colorado artists and business owners. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t believe anything in life goes smoothly. But when it’s meant to happen it keeps calling you no matter how difficult it gets. I’ve had panic attacks over opening a store on my website, now it’s second nature. Mental breakdowns at walls because the paint I bought isn’t the right color. Paint spilled on carpets, sore backs, arms, and legs. But I manage to deliver every time and grow from what I’ve learned. The goal is always growth. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I was known for my realistic mural in private residences, now I’ve moved into the commercial sector. My art style changed to more color blocking and white linework because of my limitations in being able to stand up. Now I’m healed and able to paint realism again. So, I’m mixing and expanding my styles. I also have a collection based on emotions and my personal battle with bipolar disorder. It contains realism and white linework and is where I see my mural work going. 

Pricing:

• 30-40 a sq ft

Contact Info:

• Email: jess@jbeanart.com
• Website: www.jbeanart.com
• Instagram: @jbeanart