Who
Jessica Mattingly is a 29 year-old doctoral student in clinical psychology from Chicago, IL
Areas of intertest:
Well, professionally speaking, I plan to work with survivors of sexual violence with a treatment method called ‘dialectical behavior therapy’. I am interested in doing outreach to promote awareness of the systemic issues associated with sexual violence in our society. I also hope to work with classical musicians on performance enhancement and performance anxiety (I’m a *retired* musician myself). I’m passionate about teaching as well, so maybe a future gig as an adjunct professor would be cool, too.
My areas of interest craft-wise are always changing. Right now I’m learning to spin yarn on a wheel vs. on a drop spindle. I really want to expand my techniques with spinning to make more funky and eclectic art yarns. I’m also starting to explore dying fibers.
I have plans for the distant future to start carding my own fiber batts and also take a class in glass fusing. I think it’s important to always have in mind where you would like to go next with what you’re doing, regardless of how far ahead in the future it might be.
Why do you create?
I have discovered that I am a creative individual whose emotions seem to demand a larger capacity than my physical body can hold. The creative process enables me to release some of that emotional intensity I experience. It’s a calming, relaxing, and soothing activity for me. It keeps me sane 
Favourite materials:
Anything tangible! But right now I’m pretty obsessed with glass cabs and wool roving and batts.
Source of inspiration:
My inspiration comes from whatever I’m currently experiencing emotionally or cognitively. I’m the oldest of eight, and I think of them often when I’m making something.
Your atelier/workspace :
I create in my dining room. So, my dining room is really a ‘work room’. It’s over run with beads, paper, glue, wool, and glass. My spinning wheel is in my living room.
Jessica’s beautiful creations can be found on jessprkle.etsy.com and jessprkle.dawanda.com
Jessica on Flickr
Jessica is offering 10% off your next purchase, don’t forget to mention “Crafters HQ” in the “notes to seller” at checkout.
