Meet the Creative Team: Jay Wassell

It’s Time to Meet the Talented & Creative People Behind the Pinot & Picasso Artworks!

It’s time to introduce the talented artists behind our Artwork Gallery. Say hello to Jay Wassell! Jay has been a part of the Pinot & Picasso family from the early days working as an artist for multiple studios. Jay is about to open her own studio in Taranaki in New Zealand (and welcome a little bundle of joy into her life!). We sat down with Jay and chatted about why she became an artist, her biggest inspiration, and life outside of P&P!

What sparked your interest in becoming an artist?

I fell in love with creating from a very young age! My supportive parents ended up sending me to art classes when I was 7 (I dropped out of gymnastics for it, sorry inflexible body). I was able to learn about a vast range of materials and techniques all through my childhood. I only started thinking about art as a career when I was at university. I originally wanted to be a high school art teacher but took a year off after my double degree (fine arts/arts) to see what it was like to work as an artist. I fell in love with it and have spent the last seven years either working on my art alongside casual jobs or, more recently, working as an artist full time!

How would you describe your style?

I’m still finding my style, and that’s ok! Often artists spend their lives developing their ‘style’, which changes a lot over time. I also create with many different mediums, from wall paint (for wall murals), oil paints, lino carving, and illustration. Usually, I paint with lots of bright ‘pretty’ colours, and I love to blend realism with abstract elements. 

Which artist/s is your biggest inspiration?

So many artists! Some modern painters I love are Kathrin Longhurst, Robin Eley, and Laura Jones. I’m also a big fan of classic impressionist artists like Monet, Cézanne, Degas, etc. On a day-to-day basis, my biggest inspiration is my artist friends! Having like-minded people also in the creative industry is so inspirational. The two I chat to almost daily on Instagram are @moniquefedor_ and @nioka.clay!

Which type of art form is your favourite to create and why?

This is a tricky question for me! As I mentioned above, I dabble in so many different art forms! Currently, my top two are thick palette knife oil paintings and large colourful wall murals.

Which Pinot & Picasso artworks have you created?

I was fortunate enough to be part of the team at head office for a while, so there are a few of them! I created Ti Amo Tuscany, Mt Taranaki, Van Glow, and the new Wine O’Clock and Northern Lights. I also collaborated on paintings; some of my favourites are No.5, Lemoncello, and Cherry Blossom Season!

What is your favourite P&P session to host and why?

I love hosting private parties! Watching people gather all their loved ones for a unique experience to bond over is SO much fun. They’re also always different, from birthday parties to hens’ nights; it’s guaranteed to be a special session for a host! 

If you were a P&P artwork, what would you be?

Probably the new Wine O’Clock! It’s somehow colourful and vibrant but relaxing at the same time. I like to think I’m pretty lively but also quite chill, and I do love a glass of red wine!

What’s your favourite thing about working at P&P? 

Most of all, I love seeing people surprise themselves when they create something beautiful! Our paintings are so achievable when hosts break them down step by step. Watching people enjoy that process is fun, especially if they have never picked up a paintbrush. My new favourite thing about working at P&P is taking the opportunity to open my own studio! My husband and I are about to open our new studio in New Zealand this month, and I can’t wait to watch my friends and family in NZ surprise themselves this way!

What do you like to do outside of P&P?

Besides working on my art, I love going on hikes, reading music, and silly-dancing around the kitchen when I cook dinner. I’ll be a first-time mum very soon, so hopefully I’ll like that too!

Instagram – @jaykayco. Website – www.jay-kay.co