Meet our new Sunshine North Story Hubs artist, Jess Wilson!
We’re thrilled to announce that we have selected the artists who will work alongside students in our 2023 Story Hubs schools - including Jess Wilson, who is working with Sunshine North Primary School and Sunshine College!
Story Hubs is 100 Story Building's innovative program that partners students, teachers and artists to build imaginative spaces in their communities, supporting them to step beyond the boundaries of the classroom, take creative risks and to become more confident, curious and engaged learners. Learn more about the program here.
Meet Jess Wilson (she/her)
Jess Wilson (aka Jess Dubblu) is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator and muralist, based in Footscray. Her work focuses on immersive experiences, employing a variety of techniques from audio, animation and sensory. If she can convince her audience to climb into a pipe or crawl on the ground she considers it to be a success. She is the Creative Designer for Science Play Kids, as well as a workshop facilitator to make science and art accessible for all.
You might recognise Jess’ art style - she’s also contributed illustrations to the last four Early Harvest books, beginning with 2019’s The Sound of the Dark!
We asked Jess a few questions to get to know her better.
A drawing by Jess Wilson, aged 7, of she and her sister riding a dragon.
Did you make art when you were in school?
I made art all the time at school! I used to buy comic books and copy the illustrations as closely as possible. I had a folder of drawings of all 150 Pokémon. I would draw each one over again and over again until it was perfect. A week after I finished they released another 150 and I never had anything to do with Pokémon ever again.
What kind of art do you make?
I love drawing comics, making videos, and installations. My recent fave was a collaboration with Shae Rooke - a garden made of flowers dipped in highlighter liquid. When put under UV lights, fluorescence illuminates the underlying cell structures within the flower petals, and it looks very cool.
Why did you apply to be part of Story Hubs?
I’ve been a big fan of the 100 Story building since the beginning. The projects are always fun and interesting. So it’s always a treat working with them and the kids.
What's most exciting about co-designing with children?
The weird and wonderful things they come up with! Nothing my silly grownup brain could ever hope to come up with.
Welcome, Jess – we know you’ll help the Sunshine North students create something out of this world!
To learn more about Jess, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.
