San Fran Voice

* Not Pregnant from the 2005 Birth Control Series by Jessica Stafford * 

Jessica Stafford is a Bay Area artist whose work in oil painting, photography and collage is making an impression on the local arts scene. Inspired by artists such as Frida Kahlo and Barbara Kruger, Jessica uses her work to explore issues such as femininity and relationships.  She is currently at work on new pieces for her “Birth Control Pill” series, a multi-media project started in 2005 and her other work can be seen online and around the Bay Area (see below for details). In this interview with SFV, Jessica tells us about her work and her experiences as an artist in the Bay Area.

What can you tell us about the basics of your artwork?  I like painting, photography and collage.  My work expresses whatever I’m thinking about at the time whether it is ideas of femininity, relationships, being single or even just something which struck me as funny.

What projects are you working on now?  I’m working on more birth control pill case collages, and working on a few paintings on canvas. 

What art goals do you have for yourself?  I want to make a living as an artist and have art international art shows.

How does the city inspire or affect your art?  San Francisco is buzzing with creative energy that just simply makes me want to paint. 

Do you have a favorite gallery – or alternative art space - in

Where can you be found in SF other than at the local art galleries?  Golden Gate

What do you think the average visitor to San Francisco should know about the art scene here?  It’s worth checking out.  There are some interesting things going on here. I tend to meet other artists at the events that I’m in.

Where can we see your work?  (Websites, current / upcoming shows, etc.) 

• www.Jessicastaffordsart.com 
• Sausalito Art Walk: the 2^nd Wednesday of each month on Caledonia Street
• Expressions Gallery: 2035 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, Ca
•  The Main ARTery Gallery: 453 west J street, Benicia, Ca
• Golden Bean Coffee House: 101 Golf Course Dr, Rohnert Park, Ca
• Whole Foods Market: 621 E. Washington St, Petaluma, Ca
• Aurora Gallery: 145 Kentucky Street, Petaluma, Ca
• Petaluma Valley Hospital: 400 N. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, Ca
• Tam Realty: 1007 A Street, San Rafael, Ca
• ArtSF: 110 Capp Street, San Francisco, Ca

What advice do you have for other emerging artists?  Get a website and have professional looking business cards made.  Check out www.craigslist.com artist section for calls for art.  And most importantly, do what you love.