What do you do?

I come from a Fine Art background and I love to work in oil paint. I paint portraits and paintings that tell stories. I also trained as an Art Therapist and I love to help people improve their lives by exploring their creativity.

Have you worked with Wild in Art before?

I have painted over 20 sculptures for Wild in Art, and participated in some amazing community arts workshops in exciting venues such as Hampton Court Palace and Media City!

What did you like about the designs you have picked out?

I loved looking through the designs on Wild in Art world, they were all so different. I found it interesting seeing the ones that reflect people’s experiences of being in lockdown and it was lovely to see positive messages such as Irene Nolan’s Penguin design which featured the phrase ‘Hope, Peace and Love’.

Which are your favourite designs?

My favourite designs were

• Rebecca Moore’s Elephant
• Irene Nolan’s Penguin
• Leah Hayler’s Pig
• Molly’s Wallaby
• Donna Newman’s Imp

What does art and creativity mean to you?

Creativity is the centre of my universe and I see it as an incredibly valuable resource for the world. Children process their experiences through play so from an early age our creativity helps us to grow and develop. It also helps us to be adaptive, heal trauma, problem solve, understand the world and ourselves and experience joy and express our emotions.

Who or what is your greatest inspiration/greatest influence on your work?

I really love female surrealist artists like Paula Rego and Dorothea Tanning, and in particular Leonora Carrington. Leonora lived a fascinating life and was an incredibly resilient person, she was a true eccentric and visionary. I did a portrait of her recently and was over the moon when it was bought by her family.

What advice would you give to budding artists?

Always remember to pace yourself and take good care of yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others, try and value what is unique about your own creative talent. Remember to play, experiment, trust the process and find joy in your creativity as it can take you to magical places. Read ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron. Think of yourself as an entrepreneur as well as an artist.

What is the best thing about being involved in a Wild in Art event?

I love having exciting adventures with Wild in Art and getting to share painting spaces with other creatives. It’s wonderful having your work on show for such a huge and diverse audience. I also love seeing photos of people posing next to a sculpture that I’ve painted. It’s very uplifting to see your work making people happy!

Where can people find out more about your work?

www.jodiesilverman.com