Whether in front of the camera modeling or a 48 x 60 canvas painting, this Georgian vegan beauty residing in L.A. finds time for both.
She told us, “When I moved to San Francisco, I got work modeling. It was hard to break into the art scene for me at 19 so modeling paid the bills. After a few years I moved to L.A. to pursue my art, a few opportunities happened. Still, knowing only the business of modeling I was not focused, so my art still suffered. That is until I read Rick Rubin’s book. I owe Rick a great thanks because the book helped me see that I wasn’t painting what I loved, I was just painting. Inspirerd, after reading the book three times, I ‘m creating large abstract portraits of the music stars I love and getting great response at shows. Thank you, Rick. ”
Guitar Center Music Foundation gave Jessica a guitar she would paint over and that they would sell at the event to benefit music education for underprivileged kids. At the show, Amethyst Beverage partner Jeff Flasco upon seeing the finished work purchased the guitar and donated it to the foundation. It is currently being showcased and at Guitar Center Hollywood.
Those who attended were the first to see her haunting images of Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington, Jimi Hendrix, Biggie Smalls and Mac Miller, which she created with acrylics, oils and a knife, yes, she paints with a knife.
Downs, a vegan who supports animal rights groups is also an endorsee of Winsor & Newton paints, commented, “I’m a huge Linkin Park fan and to this day listen all the time, that’s my generation along with Biggie and Mac Miller, and because of my dad, I love Jimi Hendrix and all Classic Rock. When I paint for myself outside of commissioned work, I like to paint who I listen to.”
After receiving praise for her series of rock art at the recent Art Rock LA Music Education Benefit, held at NRG Studios in Noho, Downs walked onto the set of veteran Aremis Studios photographer Michael Seeley shooting that night.
Below are pics from an impromptu session shot by Seeley, as well as other event photos from various photographers:
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