“I paint portraits of strong, curvy women
in a dark Victorian and Science-Fiction inspired style (frequently known as
“Steampunk”) because they signify a new era of changing beauty aesthetics.
When I first discovered the genre, Steampunk
fascinated me through its emphasis on scientific invention, fine craftsmanship,
and the intersection of the elegant Victorian past with a decaying modern
world.
It’s a different subculture, a relief from
the pressure to conform to the mainstream’s values. It and includes, for me
anyway, deep appreciation of the intellectual, the bizarre, the imperfect and
the subcultural. These values directly contradict the American pursuit of
homogenized aesthetics of perfection and beauty.
My art is a manifestation of these values
and more. I am using my creative energy to invent something beautiful and
unique. My art conveys and encourages a return to dignity, authenticity,
healthy female body image and sexuality, while adorned in alternative style. My
paintings are straightforward, handcrafted artistry and they invite the viewer
to emotionally connect and respond.
Through my art, I wish to inspire viewers
to develop their own creativity, uniqueness, and personal concept of beauty."
-Jessica Van Hulle
ARTIST'S BIO
Jessica Van Hulle was born in the middle
of the night in San Francisco General Hospital in 1979. She grew up in Orinda,
CA, but frequently escaped to Berkeley and San Francisco. She was raised
according to New Age spiritual philosophies and throughout her adolescence she
extensively studied subcultures, psychology and world religions.
She majored in Illustration at the Academy
of Art University in San Francisco, with a focus on creating story and emotion
in her science-fiction/fantasy illustration and her realistic figure painting.
She became a published freelance illustrator, while also exhibiting her fine
art in galleries, in 2001 and received her B.F.A. in Illustration in May 2004.
Van Hulle is nationally honored for the
fine draftsmanship and emotional richness of her art, having exhibited in San
Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle. In addition to
Illustration and Fine Art Van Hulle added Fashion Design to her creative
repertoire in 2007. She has been designing sexy Halloween costumes, lingerie
and high heel shoes for several industry-leading international companies since
then.
These experiences, artistic loves and
philosophical interests culminated into her launching her own Fine Art and
Fashion Design business “Hourglass 1875” in July of 2011. A new website featuring fashion design and consulting services will be launched in the next few months.
Please email Ms. Van Hulle through the website "Contact" button for rates, services offered, and to view fashion portfolios: alternative apparel (Gothic, Punk, and Steampunk), lingerie, costume, and women's shoes.
