Born in Bristol, Jessica Cooper moved to West Cornwall at a young age.

After studying at Falmouth College of Arts and then on to Goldsmiths College, it was a solo exhibition in Penzance that brought her home.

Jessica's influences are a direct result of her immediate environment.

I am sifting through all that is unwanted in the search to find the essence in something.

Jessica Cooper

She is, she says: "Continually exploring, dissecting and diluting everything that is going on around me, seeking to find simplicity in the chaos of everyday life.

People often comment that her work is peaceful and serene.

A recent painting

Jessica has spent time working with adults with learning difficulties. Educational work has helped open her eyes to what she is doing, more than just simply showing her work in galleries.

She became involved in the educational project ‘Air, Land and Sea’ - a collaboration between Tate St.Ives and The Newlyn Art Gallery. As a result of this, both Galleries employed her as a freelance artist.

Earlier in the year Jessica had a show with Michael Finn at the Newlyn Art Gallery.

She has since had a three person show at the Thompson's City Gallery in London and more recently has shown with Karl Weschke at Badcocks Gallery, Newlyn.

Jessica's studio

She is keen to generate interest in her work outside of Cornwall and ultimately wants to be recognised nationally and internationally.

Jessica's work can be seen in her next show with the 'Newlyn Society of Artists' 'From the Heart' will be on at The Newlyn Art Gallery from 12th December 2001 to 19th January 2002.