Jess Preble is a native Colorado artist who has created, exhibited, and sold works nationally. As a contemporary realist, she works exclusively in oil paint, although her artistic practice has spanned a diverse variety of mediums. She maintains a studio and resides in Colorado Springs, CO.

Preble works as an advocate for the creative community, leveraging her 15+ years of experience as an arts professional to elevate and promote other artists, and the value of cultural currency at large. She has served as the Gallery Director for Cottonwood Center for the Arts since 2017, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the Independent Film Society of Colorado as Communications Director since 2021.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I believe that the negative space surrounding an object tells you as much, if not more, about it than the object itself. The unaccounted or unnoticed moments and everyday passing of time are equally as valuable as what is typically chosen for documentation, celebration, or mourning.

Art ought to inspire its spectator to feel something they weren’t feeling just the moment before. I cannot determine the meaning you’ll find in my work.

My subject matter varies as oddly and often mundanely as life does. People and other living things I’ve loved, tended, and lost. Stills from the home I live in, the workshop I wrench in - the machines who’s hearts I help - they can’t help themselves. This content wasn’t staged, the monotony of existence is spectral in its own way - I finally realized the high value of it.