A self proclaimed slashie, Jessica Ruscoe has worked as a photographer, freelance journalist and illustrator over the years, occasionally pausing from her busy schedule to hand-make clothes, shoes and jewellery. She's been published by Mamamia, and drawn intricate sketches for Harper's Bazaar, but this chameleon feels most content snapping pictures with her film camera. Recently, she shot some beautiful imagery of her friend Kirah wearing Stevie May, while telling us what inspires her.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I work part-time for a magazine as a writer and illustrator, and on the side I do freelance photography, illustrating and styling ...So my days are often varied (which I like), I'm not very good with routine!
Tell us about your personal project Contra Mag and how it was born.
Contra Mag is still very much in its early days, but I guess it's a platform for me to showcase my creative work and collaborations with others. It took me a while to realise I wasn't into just 'one thing' creatively, so it hasn't been until recently that I decided to create a folio of sorts to share my work.
Has having your own artistic platform improved your creative opportunities?
I would say so, I've been quite lucky in that most of my work has come through Instagram and the connections I've made there. The format of sharing your work today is forever changing, so ultimately I wanted to create my own little slice of internet.
You write, photograph and illustrate. Where did your interest for multi-media art stem from?
I've always enjoyed pursuing different creative ventures, however I am also cursed with the ability to get bored easily (and I'm very good at procrastinating - which often results in me starting something new halfway through one project). I think for a long time I felt like I had to pick just one thing. But like many creative people, it's fun to dabble!
Do you have a favourite media to work with?
Photography. Film, specifically. My partner Cameron just gifted me a medium format film camera for my birthday and I adore it.
Where do you seek your inspiration?
My partner and my friends. I'm lucky to be surrounded by some incredibly talented people, I think that's the best thing to do when you're working on something creative - bounce ideas off one another.
How would you describe your personal style/ aesthetic?
I honestly wouldn't know, haha. I think I change my mind every 5 minutes depending on my mood! It's fun not subscribing to one style in particular.
Tell us about a recent project that you have adored.
Jamie Hawkesworth's Landscape With Tree in Amsterdam was an awesome exhibition I had the pleasure of seeing.
Do you feel more inspired to create at home or abroad?
Whilst I absolutely love traveling, I get to a point where I want to come home because that's where I work from (my little studio). That's where I feel most inspired and creative.
What creative projects do you have planned for the future?
I'm finishing off an article about the Historical Diving Society (Cameron and I photographed a rally they had down in Portland, Victoria) - it was incredible (and very unusual!)
Jess photographs Kirah in pieces from Stevie May's 'Chasing Light' High Summer 17 collection.
Follow @jessica_ruscoe here.
