Something simple but powerful happens regularly in a modest studio on Central Avenue in Pacific Grove. Insecurities dissolve. Self-confidence emerges. Empowerment appears on canvas. Giggles multiply. Newfound friends find art isn’t an exclusive thing.
Jessica Ansberry is their sensei, directing an popular new ritual called Progress Not Perfection Painting Parties.
PNP encourages artists and non-artists alike to gather around paints and easels throughout the warm and bright space, which was manifested with the help of a loyal band of pals who contributed things like new faucets for the bathroom and flowers for the backyard. She calls them The Repeat Offenders – participants who show up consistently, who “bring an awesome energy and provide innovative ideas and creative little gifts for the studio.”
Painting has changed Ansberry’s world in enough ways that the partial list she ticks off is substantial.
“It’s taught me that the most prominent statement I used to tell myself – ‘If I’m not the best at something, then that means I’m the worst’ – was something I didn’t even know I was telling myself,” she says. “I’ve learned by painting on a regular basis and in a group setting that I love collaboration in a way I never knew I could. I’ve learned to hear what I tell myself and change it if I don’t like what I’m hearing.” Most importantly, it gave her perspective, emotionally and spiritually. “Painting has given me an outlet I was so desperately seeking a few years ago – I was in a dark place – and helped change my outlook on so many things.”
The Weekly talked to Ansberry as she looks forward to a calendar loaded with upcoming parties at the rate of 10-12 public events a month.
Weekly: What are some of your favorite guidelines for new painters?
Jessica Ansberry: “I hope you’re nervous.” That means you’re trying something new and stretching yourself. “Don’t get married to the end result, let the processtake its course. You will surprise yourself.” I think that surprising ourselves is one of the best things we can do.
What element of PNP gives you the most satisfaction?
The community around it. When I found a space to be stationary and not mobile I thought I’d get some tables and paint and figure everything else out, eventually. What ended up happening was this group of amazing people popped up one by one and said, “What do you need?” The studio has turned into an ever-evolving whimsical wonderland created by all these giving souls – and a lot of power tools.
When do you feel most alive?
When I am living in the moment and what is real and happening right now and not living in fear of the unknown or something that may or may not happen next week or tomorrow.
What have been some of the best reactions you’ve observed at PNP?
I just love that a paint party can be anything you want it to be. It can be just a fun couple of hours but it can be so much more. I’ve seen people paint through physical pain for relief, paint through grief, come in a little bit alone and apart from the group and become part of it in a matter of minutes. I love seeing the friendships among the party people.
What is creativity to you?
Everything. Putting things together that wouldn’t normally make sense. Giving someone random supplies and seeing what they make. The imagination is an awesome thing and the more we use it, the more out-of-the box it gets.
Speed round: Life theme song?
“It’s Oh So Quiet” by Bjork. It’s sweet, crazy, up and down and wonderful.
Biggest opposing force that you encountered on your creative journey?
Myself. When I overthink I build walls. When I get out of the way and let things unfold, awesome things happen.
If you could interview a creative thinker, who would that person be?
David Sedaris.
Favorite thing to paint?
Animals. If I can nail the personality in their eyes, it makes my day!
What is the most important message you want to impart to your students?
If your dandelion looks like a whale, then maybe you were meant to paint a whale. Make it a whale.
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