Western Inspirations: Artist Jess Mudgett

I was born in Fort Collins, Colorado. I developed a love of painting and drawing at a young age. It’s always been my main outlet. My father taught U.S. history and is interested in the history of the west, so I grew up learning all this and being surrounded by antiques and native objects. I was fascinated with all of it. That has always been a main source of interest and inspiration in my work. I’m always turning back to certain places for inspiration, and western history is the main place.

I worked a few different office design jobs for outdoor/skateboard companies for the better half of my twenties. I never felt content with myself; never felt like that’s where I should be. The 9–5 office life was killing me inside. So, I quit my job and started working on places I have been fascinated with since I was a boy—cattle ranches. Being completely green and knowing nothing of that world, it has taken some years of learning the hard way and getting yelled at a lot, but the more I do it the more I’m getting the hang of it. Spending time in these places has changed my life and who I am as a person. It’s the most rewarding work I have ever done. Most importantly, it feeds my soul and gives me immense inspiration for my painting and design work. The beautiful places I have got to go and people I have met have been deeply important. It has been a wonderful balance of two worlds full of uncertainty, sacrifices and adventure, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

It has been a wonderful balance of two worlds full of uncertainty, sacrifices and adventure, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I hope to continue working in the most beautiful places and to never stop learning and gaining new perspectives. I have so much to be thankful for and folks to thank for helping me and showing me this road. The road I have chosen hasn’t been easy. But what it has been is rewarding. Anything worth doing shouldn’t be easy.