About the Artist

BIO

Pamela Jacques is an artist devoted to the transformative power of beauty, light shining through darkness, and love. She discovered her passion for painting and nature through formative journeys along the Appalachian Trail and the influence of her mother, also an artist. Her mixed-media works—intuitive and impressionistic—are inspired by both the natural and spiritual worlds. Ongoing exploration of materials and techniques contributes to the multi-layered process that exhibits our multifaceted internal and external landscapes.

For over three decades, she was a counselor, weaving creativity into therapeutic practice with individuals and in group settings.  Twelve of those years were spent in a maximum security men’s penitentiary where she worked with the severely mentally ill, those on death row, and many who returned to society. Her commitment to the restorative power of art has led her to facilitate art groups for inmates and paint live at events. One poignant moment came during a group painting session of autumn scenes, when male inmates added glitter to their work. Moved by their unexpected embrace of beauty, Pamela then kept red glitter on her desk—a shimmering reminder that magic can be found even in the darkest places. 

 Pamela uniquely combines therapeutic creativity with fine art, crafting pieces designed to evoke peace, healing, and transformation in the viewer. Her art is not merely aesthetic; it carries the intention of emotional resonance and personal growth. Deep Connection to Nature as Inspiration. Nature heavily influences her work, using its beauty, seasonal transitions and resilience as metaphors for healing and hope. This connection allows her to produce art that feels both grounded and transcendent, fostering a sense of calm and renewal. Her evolution as an artist and counselor reflects a deep commitment to transforming darkness into light. This journey adds a rich narrative to her work that resonates with clients seeking art with profound meaning and purpose.
 
Pamela has spoken and painted live at conferences, community events, and a TEDx event at Graterford Prison. For fifteen years, she served as artistic director for a worship arts team, where her love of vibrant, flowing color influenced costume and dance garment design. Her education includes studies in illustration at the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, theology at Cairn University, and painting at the Academy of Fine Arts of Pennsylvania. Her award-winning mixed media pieces are held in private collections across the United States and Europe.

Artist Statement

The forest is my sanctuary and the cathedral of the Spirit. In seeking that sanctuary, I am often drawn to landscapes where earth, water, and sky merge into beauty that transcends my personal experiences, whether joyful, tragic, or ordinary. In these places, I find grounding, tranquility, space to breathe, and time to listen—to the landscape and to the Spirit. The physical challenges I face on these journeys—be it distance, mountains, or storms—mirror the journey of life itself, teaching me valuable lessons along the way. 
These experiences deeply inform my creative process and inspire me to communicate the essence of the landscape and Spirit's dialogue through my art. I incorporate botanical prints, natural materials, mineral pigments, and textural elements into each piece, creating a tactile and layered process of discovery. The multiple layers and dimensional elements in my work reflect the multi-dimensional nature of our journeys and world. Just as every new trail carries the imprint of my boot and becomes more than a beautiful scene, my paintings evolve alongside me and the natural world. Whether inspired by beaches, valleys, or mountains, I often "walk in wonder," bearing witness to the testimony of beauty, love, and light found in many places.
My subject matter emerges directly from nature and my emotional connection to each place, often guided by photographs I have taken during my travels and hikes. I am drawn to scenes that embody beauty, transformation, and contrasts, where the interplay of light and shadow, color, and tone evokes a sense of awe and wonder.
Technically, I create much of my own collage paper by making botanical prints on a gelli plate using Japanese rice paper. I also imprint botanical items directly into my work. My paintings involve a layered process using mixed media such as acrylic, gold and silver leaf, mica powder, oil paint, and collage. I work on both canvas, paper, and wood panels continuously experimenting to explore varying layers and color contrasts that build depth, texture, and complexity.
As a counselor, I have also journeyed alongside many individuals navigating their own inner landscapes. These experiences have left an indelible mark on me and deepen my connection to the themes of transformation and healing present in my work. Through my art, I strive to share the profound beauty and spiritual resonance I find in nature’s sacred spaces.