Jess Martz, owner of Walking Between Mountains, is a mother, wife and creative living in New Orleans and also one of our newest Unraveled Expert Artists. We were completely mesmerized by Jess’ portfolio submission full of art that was deep, enchanting and mysterious. Her use of shadows is eloquent and her attention to details is lovely. We hope you truly enjoy her interview and are inspired by her presence in our community.

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Here is Jess, Unraveled…

WHAT INSPIRED YOUR ART? 

I think that choosing to see the world through grateful eyes is the best way to sum up my inspiration. I'm in constant awe of the depth of human emotion. I see extreme joy and complete despair to 
be equally beautiful. I'm not sure if these words have done justice to the true answer to this question.

WHAT DO YOU SHOOT WITH? CAMERA BODY AND FAVORITE LENS? 

I've been a Nikon girl from the very beginning...I first learned to shoot using an old film camera back in college! Now I shoot with a Nikon D810 and a Sony A7RIII.

WHAT OTHER WAYS DO YOU EXPRESS YOUR CREATIVITY? 

So this may sound strange, but I don't find myself to be all that creative! I suppose I'd consider myself more of an observer/narrator than a creator/author. I do write, when inspiration strikes, but it takes me a painstakingly long time to finish anything. And I don't ever write stories or fiction, only reflections on life. I would be inclined to say I have vision and insight, but not that I am exceptionally creative.

HOW DO YOU DE-STRESS AT THE END OF THE DAY? 

Well. IDEALLY I would take a long hot bath with candles and a glass of wine while reading a good book. But who am I kidding, usually it's just the wine.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO WHILE EDITING?

I usually put a Bon Iver station on Pandora...If I listen to anything that isn't pretty mellow I can't concentrate.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? 

I have a LOT of these. I've been very into books about raising kids lately as I have a couple of pre-teen girls! "The Self Driven Child" is the one I'm currently reading and I just finished "how to hug a porcupine" which I found super helpful and will be re-reading. I recently finished "Stealing Fire" and "Outliers" which were both good. Brene Brown is awesomesauce, Daring Greatly was one of my favorites of hers...I'm also a poetry fan, Beau Taplin is a current fave. I could keep going. I can't pick a favorite but I do have a lot of recommendations! ;)

NAME ONE MOVIE THAT INSPIRES YOU. 

This one is more difficult. I am not a movie person. Pride and Prejudice ( but that's probably because I love the book)...Currently obsessed with the TV series "This is Us." Does that count?!

HOW DO YOU HANDLE SELF-DOUBT OR CREATIVE SLUMPS?

The biggest part of self-doubt, for me, comes when potential clients don't hire me because "We can't spend that kind of money just for photos". And those thoughts come creeping in.. "I'm not worth investing in", "people don't understand my work or value what I do"...but then you find those people who GET IT. Those clients make it all worth while and can be so validating. Having a support group is also so important when you're struggling. It may not end up being your family or your friends, but groups like this one that are full of like-minded, kick-ass people who will encourage and support you while helping you grow, that is pure gold ya'll. I'm so stoked to be a part of this community.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY? 

Learning to accept that it is OK ( and sometimes a really good thing) to say no. This goes hand in hand with balancing running a business and mom life.

WHO IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHERS? 

Ya'll that is like asking me to pick a favorite child! Currently I've been loving The Kitcheners and India Earl. <3