Meet Jess Bean: Muralist, Commission, and Fine Arts artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jess Bean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Art, especially when you get it straight from an artist is a memory. But the interesting part of art is; whether it depicts something sad and horrific or something joyous when it speaks to you it always brings you happiness.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a self-taught artist that started with a lot of self doubt. It took me until last year to break away from my 9-5 job and completely go full time in the art world. Which is a long time considering my first mural was at age 17, and I turned 34 last year. I finally overcame the doubt when I decided to do my first collection. It’s my Emotions Collection on my website. I knew I was going to dive into some very personal subject matter. I have Bipolar 2 and have wanted to shine light on what Bipolar truly is. Society has so many stereotypes and slang around mental illness that just isn’t correct. So putting these together with their definitions and my personal descriptions were a huge healing journey for me. Doing this taught me that most people are very willing to listen and support if we find the courage to talk. And that is beautiful. My collections are helping the unseen to be seen. My murals are bright, colorful, and full of joy. In a way they are showing both sides of me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, this answer changes with a pandemic. We would grab a coffee from Beantrees Drive-Thru then do a driving tour through the local murals including my own, of course. My personal favorite being behind Alley Cat Café (another great place to eat and get coffee). Head on into Old Town for FoCo DoCo and little boutique shops. Then over to Coppermuse for a brassy beats and down the alley to Forge for some beers. Order take-out from Nick’s Italian, and head up to Horsetooth Reservoir to eat in the car and watch the sunset. Or there’s always the option to head up to a quieter ski area for tubing, take out, and a local brew. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Husbo! Also, known as my husband. He’s typically a quiet guy, but with me he’s been my loudest cheerleader. Two years ago we built a studio in our backyard together. And I mean it. We did everything except pour the foundation and put the roof on. It was a huge money and time investment. It really shows you someone supports you in your dreams when they give that much to you. Oh, and if you book a mural through me you might be lucky enough to meet him. He comes to assist on large jobs if he’s available.

Website: www.jbeanart.com
Instagram: @jbeanart
Linkedin: Jessica Bean
Facebook: J Bean Art