Museums are hardly the only option for seeing thought-provoking art; your local mall will do just fine.
Odds are, if you frequent Anthropologie stores or ogle the window displays at Hermès and Ella Moss (pictured below), you’ve seen artist Jessica Pezalla’s nature-inspired installations. We couldn’t pass up an opportunity to quiz the Bramble Workshop founder on her home decor preferences and the key to Instagram success.
You’re leaving sunny SoCal for Portland. What will you miss most about living in L.A.?
Luckily, I’m still going to be working with a lot of clients in Los Angeles, so I’ll be here often. My favorite thing about L.A. is how varied and eclectic it is in every way, even the plant life: From where I sit, I can see Meyer lemon and avocado trees, cacti, rose bushes, palm trees, ferns, and bougainvillea.
Since you’ll only be coming back as a visitor from now on, what will your ultimate L.A. food itinerary include?
Impossible to decide! But the afternoon that will remind me most of my three lovely years in Atwater Village includes a hike in Griffith Park, followed by lunch at The Trails Cafe. I would also have to go to Proof Bakery for a chocolate croissant and Figaro or Alcove for happy hour.
You’ve worked on elaborate installations for everyone from Hermès to Ella Moss. What do your walls look like at home?
I’m definitely a collector of beautiful, unusual objects and I always save elements from my favorite projects, but I like to keep my home pretty minimal. I usually group art and objects in clusters and leave lots of open space. It’s nice to be in an uncluttered, tranquil environment after thinking so much about color, texture, and shape all day long.
Was there ever a design concept that seemed like a good idea in your head but was a total fail in real life?
It wasn’t a total fail, but now I know that tissue paper flowers are inclined to wilt on dewy mornings.
Do you ever craft in your free time? What do you make?
Ha. Good question. It’s tough for me to work on my own projects because I put so much creative energy into Bramble Workshop. But I love taking classes that give me an opportunity to experiment and make things for myself. I really enjoy ceramics and plan on taking a weaving class soon.
Your Instagram feed is an eye candy rabbit hole. Give us your tips for styling a winning shot.
Thank you! I’m partial to beautiful detail shots — I think it helps to shoot in the square format so that you can consider the composition while you’re shooting. Also, in terms of content, I think people like seeing projects in process — definitely photograph what you’re working on and what inspires you.
Favorite filter?
I don’t have a favorite filter, but I usually use Afterlight to increase the exposure a little bit.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, on a dream project, whom and what would it be?
I would love to make a large-scale textile installation with Sheila Hicks, Tanya Aguiñiga, or Sally England, because they’re incredibly skilled craftspeople with an intuitive sense of materials. My favorite work exists in the overlap between art, craft, and design.
Photos: Jamie Street; Zeke Ruelas; Rad + in Love / Courtesy of Jessica Pezalla
