b. 1983, York, PA
Jess Engle is a contemplative painter based in Austin, Texas.
Through symbolic flower paintings, her work explores the interplay of beauty, presence, and place.
Her international upbringing —in Pakistan, Germany, Ethiopia, Cyprus, Malawi, South Africa, and Togo—combined with a devoted Zen path informs her creative process and aesthetic sensibility.
This blend of multicultural heart and meditative mind comes through in the essence of her work—containing layers of subtle meaning that are revealed through time and attention.
WILDFLOWER PAINTING
She is currently working on a series highlighting the beauty, diversity, and resilience of Texas native wildflowers and the preservation of native habitats.
Inspired by the ancient tradition of Japanese byōbu (silk screen) painting, Jess approaches wildflower painting with reverence—considering balance, negative space (ma), symbolism, and seasonal cycles.
Through this series, Jess hopes to contribute to a broader, more inclusive narrative of Americana—one that honors our roots, our diversity, and our spirit of hope.
EDUCATION
2006 BFA, Fashion Design, Savannah College of Art and Design
2009 MFA, Creative Advertising, University of Texas at Austin
SHOWS
New Texas Talent, Craighead Green Gallery, July 2024
FEATURED IN
Wall Street Journal, ELLE Decoration
PARTNERSHIPS
Interior Designers
Amber Interiors, Ashley Whited Designer, Brenna B Interiors, Corvus Design House, Kim Lewis Designs, StyleMe by Guided Home Design, Tahoe Modern, The Interior Collective
Art Consultants
Four Hands Art Studio, Kalisher, Local Language, Peter Millard & Partners, Soho Myriad
Select Retailers
Anthropology, Burke Decor, Crate + Barrel, Four Hands, High Fashion Home, Lulu Neiman Marcus, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Shoppe Amber Interiors, West Elm
TV & Film
FanDuel Commercial, Property Brothers Canada, Selling Sunset, Somebody I Used to Know