For our “X Questions With” series, we’re speaking with talented individuals from around the world who have inspired us with their creativity and passion. If you have a story to tell or someone you’d like to see profiled, let us know in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter!
1) Please tell us a little about yourself
Name: Jade Sophie Wilson
City: Dublin
Country: Ireland
Places Travelled: Mostly European countries so far (Italy, UK, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and more)
Favourite Quote: I could never pick my favourite quote, which is why my journal is filled with hundreds of them! But this is my favourite art-related quote:
Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery – celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from – it’s where you take them to.”
– Jim Jarmusch
2) The way you combine writing with drawing caught our eye on Instagram, like in your Desiderata picture. When creating a new artwork, what usually comes first – the words or the sketch?
Sometimes the quote and sometimes the sketch. I might come across a quote that really resonates with me so I’ll try to sketch something to go with it, or I might start doodling and then find a quote that fits later on and I’ll write that down. The quotes are never my own. I read a lot so I like to keep my favourite quotes, poems, etc. in my Paperblanks® book to look back on. The drawings make it look less plain/boring, haha!
3) From 3D models, to watercolours, to scrapbooks, it seems like you experiment with a variety of mediums. Do you have a favourite?
Well, I’m really young, so I’m still experimenting with anything I can. At the moment my favourite mediums are pen and watercolours, but it varies a lot.
4) You have a number of sketches of faces that seem to be made up of thousands of scribbles – how did you come to develop this style?
I used to try to draw very realistically and make every drawing as close to the reference image as possible. But after a while I found that really tiring and I wasn’t having as much fun with art anymore because I was always trying to impress people. I use my Paperblanks® journal to draw for myself and so I’m a lot more free with how I draw. One day I was frustrated with how a drawing was turning out, so I just started scribbling on it. Then I liked the look of it, so it caught on I guess!
5) Is there a particular subject matter or theme that inspires you?
Everything inspires me, honestly. But mostly I’d say literature and how I feel. I find it easier to draw how I feel than to put it into words and talk about it.
6) Has anyone, or anything, in particular inspired your creativity and artistic passion?
Artists on Instagram and Pinterest! I spend hours in the art tags sometimes.
7) Have you received any formal training in the arts?
The only training I’ve received is in secondary school classes.
8) Other than creating art, what are your passions in art or life?
Reading is definitely one of my greatest passions! I read everything and anything. Other than that – film, debating and travel.
9) Do you have any words of wisdom to share with other young artists?
Make art for your own enjoyment primarily and worry less about what other people think. And never ignore an idea – even if it’s 2:00am!
Follow Jade on Instagram: @jxdesw
About Paperblanks®: At Paperblanks®, we believe that art should have a place in all aspects of life. That’s why we follow the artist’s way in everything we do – creating, crafting and releasing designs we believe have the power to touch people. For more about Paperblanks®, go to our website at paperblanks.com.
