Joymaker: Jessi Raulet

By Ingrid Fetell Lee

Joymaker Jessi Raulet can’t resist covering everything in her path with vibrant swirls of paint, whether it’s a pair of shoes or a pineapple. Read on to find out what inspires this Paris-based artist to create paintings with such lively colors and how she creates a feeling of energy in her art and her life!

Where are you from and where do you live now? How do these places inspire your work?

I’m a midwestern girl, born and raised in Evansville, IN. I began taking art lessons when I was four and explored many different creative outlets. I believe I gained a great work ethic from growing up in the Midwest; and it’s still ingrained into my work ethic today.

I moved to San Francisco in my 20s to attend art school and afterwards began working as an art director in an ad agency. San Francisco is electric with creative energy and it was refreshing for me to live in such an open-minded community! I truly had the time of my life collaborating with other artists and learning how to be more playful with my creativity. I became the artist I am today because I lived there!

I now live in Paris, with my Frenchie husband and daughter. Living in France has been quite the beautiful adventure! One can’t help being falling in love with this beautiful country!

How did you become an artist?

I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember! When I was four, I drew a chalk mural of my favorite movie at the time, The Little Mermaid of course, at my preschool. The staff was so excited about the drawing that they displayed it in the lobby for a month. My parents recognized my interest and talent in art and got me into art classes right away. Growing up, I dabbled in many different art avenues such as fine art, fashion illustration, photography, ceramics and jewelry making. I later studied graphic design and became an art director which allowed me to mix marketing with art.

You talk about creating personal items for the home and soul. What items and colors are currently speaking to your home and soul?

I just bought a ukulele and my summer project is to learn how to play! I would say this is an item speaking to both my soul and my home as it has already brought so much joy. I’ve been learning all of my daughter’s favorite Disney songs and she loves to dance along- it’s magical! Of course I plan to paint it as well.

Confident reds, oranges, corals, peaches, blue and turquoises have really been speaking to me lately. These colors scream summer and are packed with energy!

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?

A trip to Barcelona from my husband! It was filled with lots of colors, mosaics, tapas, sangria, sunshine and admiring all of the amazing architecture in the city.

Who are your muses?

My daughter Savannah ‘Savy’ is definitely my little muse. She’s such a joyful baby and her joy keeps me inspired. I’m also really inspired by Haitian fairy and blogger Paola Mathé (@findingpaola). I love her fresh sense of color and confidence that inspires so many women of all backgrounds!

Do you have a happy place? Where is it?

High on my list would be any art store! I’m truly a kid in a candy shop when I’m in an arts & craft store. When I walk in I see so much potential and projects ready to be made. This may sound stereotypical coming from an artist but another happy place for me is the Louvre! The vastness of the Louvre absolutely fascinates me. It’s both buzzing with tourists and quiet at the same time. I’ve been about seven times and still haven’t seen everything and love the feeling of being surrounded by so many greats and creations.

What does joy look like to you?

An unexpected pop of color, like a colorful door. A colorful paint palette. Glitter and confetti.

All images courtesy of Jessi Raulet. For more of Jessi’s work, check out her website, instagram feed, and visit her online shop.
September 21st, 2018

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    Discussion (3 Comments)

  1. Melissa Partridge on September 26, 2018

    Love Jessi’s gorgeous Art & her use of Color!! I’ve been following Jessi since I began my painting journey & she has been such an inspiration to me!!

    Reply
    1. Jessi on September 28, 2018

      Thank you so much Melissa!! It means so much hearing that <3 Glad to hear you're sharing your colors with the world 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jasmine Ryan on February 8, 2021

    Thank you so much! You helped me finish my art project and Jessi, you are really the dream artist. I wish I had as much courage and creativity as you! You are an amazing role model for teenagers like me!
    Follow me on Instagram:
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    Sophie Tweddell

    Reply

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