About the art
“The goal of my animal portraits and studies is to show people that animals are not so different and far apart from humans. My job as an artist is to give individuality to these animals/creatures. Here, you won’t find one fox face quite like another despite the fact that I've painted and studied 100’s of animals, many being of the same species. Oftentimes animals are disregarded by our own people and I don’t think it’s fair treatment. I try to be a voice for these people, these animal-people. I am nothing but a mediator in a larger discussion between those who believe humans are superior and those without a voice like our own.”
- Jessica Kurnas/Long
...and now, about the artist
Jessica Kurnas/Long was born Mar. 6, 1991 to Wendy and Terry Kurnas. Kurnas grew up in Williamsburg, VA where she lived for the first 25 years of her life. Kurnas received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014. Curtis Long (philosopher/teacher) introduced Kurnas to the beautiful state of Colorado where they married atop Loveland Pass and the rest was history. Although married, Kurnas still uses her maiden name in regards to her art and branding.
Kurnas’ admiration for the arts began at a very young age with influences such as early 90’s cartoons, anime and videogames including The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy and Pokemon. After seeing many people create amazing works of art, Kurnas decided she too wanted to be a part of that world, the world of creatives.
Kurnas has also been inspired by the works of Alphonse Mucha. Kurnas has adopted many of Mucha’s thoughts on commercial art. One of those beliefs is that commercial art can serve a greater audience due to its affordability in comparison to originals which often costs the patron more. Another belief, is that commercial art can be beautiful. Kurnas has a belief that art is meant to be shared with everyone and that it is one of the few things that makes humans unique. "Art is something as a species that we can be proud of." Kurnas’ art can be found throughout the United States, including at various storefronts and galleries. Most of her work is located in her new home state of CO.
Jessica Kurnas/Long was born Mar. 6, 1991 to Wendy and Terry Kurnas. Kurnas grew up in Williamsburg, VA where she lived for the first 25 years of her life. Kurnas received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014. Curtis Long (philosopher/teacher) introduced Kurnas to the beautiful state of Colorado where they married atop Loveland Pass and the rest was history. Although married, Kurnas still uses her maiden name in regards to her art and branding.
Kurnas’ admiration for the arts began at a very young age with influences such as early 90’s cartoons, anime and videogames including The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy and Pokemon. After seeing many people create amazing works of art, Kurnas decided she too wanted to be a part of that world, the world of creatives.
Kurnas has also been inspired by the works of Alphonse Mucha. Kurnas has adopted many of Mucha’s thoughts on commercial art. One of those beliefs is that commercial art can serve a greater audience due to its affordability in comparison to originals which often costs the patron more. Another belief, is that commercial art can be beautiful. Kurnas has a belief that art is meant to be shared with everyone and that it is one of the few things that makes humans unique. "Art is something as a species that we can be proud of." Kurnas’ art can be found throughout the United States, including at various storefronts and galleries. Most of her work is located in her new home state of CO.