Hello, I’m Jess Levine and I am one of the traders at the Seasonal Markets in Lancaster. I often share the craft tent with Amy Gunawan who makes beautiful willow weaving artefacts.
I work as an abstract artist and art tutor, and enjoy the market trader experience as one element of my arts career. There is a uniquely positive vibe at the Seasonal markets and the team of organisers are really helpful, flexible, smiley and good natured, which contributes to a lovely atmosphere for everyone.
I work mostly in abstract printmaking, using acrylic paint and man-made and natural materials to build up layers of texture in my original prints. My art practice has some breadth to it, also exploring abstract painting, collage and charcoal drawings and in future markets I’m looking to promote my non printmaking art practice.
Visually I am inspired by the landscape, but often the unexpected and overlooked parts. These spark my imagination and evolve through playing with colour, shape, texture and composition.
Engaging with the public is a lovely element of the seasonal markets. People are warm and friendly, often taking an active interest in the craftsmanship of artists work, and appreciating each traders unique skills and creative qualities.
Through showing people the tools of my trade, I find that conversations sometimes lead to openings for teaching – both as private workshops and connections with community groups. This is a lovely off shoot of getting my work out there to a wider audience and is one of the benefits of working at the seasonal markets.
I currently run short abstract courses at The Gregson centre in Lancaster (next one starts in September.) I also work as an arts for wellbeing creative facilitator at Stanleys community centre in Morecambe where my goal is to make arts accessible to all, with no judgement. By creating a friendly and warm atmosphere my aim is to build people’s confidence and develop their creative language so people can flourish.
I enjoy the personal contact with the public at the seasonal markets. It’s a great way to meet so many different people from diverse backgrounds. I like to think of my prints being on the walls of newly arrived university students and being used as gifts where people appreciate handmade work of quality.
It’s also a lovely platform for finding out more about the creative life of the city. I live near Ulverston so I value the local knowledge. I have a joint exhibition next year at The Dukes theatre gallery space, and am also exhibiting abstract paintings in The Gregson centre bar this September.
I believe that everyone benefits from creativity and that everyone is creative. Sometimes meeting people is the catalyst for personal and creative growth, and I feel it’s a privilege to be part of a creative group who offer such generous support. The informal vibe of the markets is a great way of making people feel equal, and from a customer perspective I think its valuable to meet the maker behind the artworks.
You can find Jess’s artwork at and meet her at the next market on 13 September:
