For young artists, a variety of factors play a role in their growth and success as an artist, including education, community and mentors.

Fortunately for Jessica Morgan, between the time she spent earning her bachelor’s of fine arts degree at LaGrange College and exhibitions with other artists in the Visual Artists Alliance of LaGrange, her still budding artistic career promises to flower into something worth seeing. Her works have been featured in six shows during the last year and a half, including exhibits at The Suffering Artist in Hogansville and the LaGrange Art Museum, and during her time at LaGrange College she was recognized for her work.

“Having that kind of exposure and that kind of recognition, it was something of an epiphany,” Morgan said. “I was like ‘wow, maybe I do actually have a chance with this. I just have to keep pushing forward and putting myself out there.’ Because you know, no one is going to come to you. You have to make that attempt to step forward.”

According to Morgan, as she works to put forth her art, her art also helps her face her life and all its challenges in a way that results in something beautiful.

“People choose different methods to release their own problems and inadequacies,” Morgan said. “For me, art is a healthy way to conquer anything negative that could be weighing a person down. It’s a beautiful release so to speak.”

While some artists prefer one or two mediums or forms of media in their work, Morgan enjoys varying between everything from watercolor to charcoal.

“I’m kind of a jack of all trades,” Morgan said.

“I enjoy working with various types (of mediums). Some of the ones that I can name off the top of my head are oil paint and watercolor. I enjoy those very much. I like soft pastels and colored pencils, and I also like black and white charcoal.”

This variety of materials makes it possible for Morgan to achieve different moods in her work.

“I like to depict fantasy type elements in my art,” Morgan said. “I guess you could say I have an idealized whimsical kind of style. Even though I am still developing and exploring, that is something that I do like to incorporate into my work.”

She also takes some inspiration from popular fantasy works and the Japanese style of animation.

“It is really whatever fascinates me,” Morgan said.

“I enjoy anime. It goes back to my childhood, and I also enjoy realistic style because it is a challenge especially when you’ve got the human form. That’s a challenge. That is one thing that inspires me is a good challenge.”