About Elise Jackman
The Beginnings of A Lifelong Passion for Art
I was drawing as soon as I could hold a crayon. The feeling of creating something from start to finish along with my family’s unwavering support led to my passion for art from an early age. I don't believe the talent was something I was born with, only the desire. Hours and hours of enjoying drawing refined my skills, making me enjoy it even more.
I took my first art class at 7 years old. I loved everything about it, from experimenting with new materials to meeting other people who shared my love for art. I continued taking art classes both in and out of school for many years.
My continued exploration of new things brought me extraordinary opportunities, including winning an award in a children’s art show put on by American Fork City, and having my art featured in a magazine for young women.
When I was in Jr. High school, I discovered a new love for acrylic painting. I spent more time painting, building mastery in the medium and using it to express my thoughts and emotions in a way I hadn’t done before. Thanks to an amazing art teacher, I was encouraged to continue on this path, and my art began to tell a story of the things closest to my heart.
Inspired by my own experiences, I began teaching my own art classes each summer at the age of 14. I still hold a strong belief that nobody is “bad” at art, they just haven’t found the medium or subject matter that sparks joy to them. I found fulfillment in planning art lessons for children that revolved around learning about new skills, new materials, and new ideas, all while creating an environment where everyone builds each other up. In High school, I had the opportunity to intern with my Jr. High art teacher, who was an amazing mentor and inspiration to me.
In High school, I devoted most of my time to art. I continued teaching art classes each summer, and joined the AP art program at my school during my senior year. This led to many new experiences and achievements like participating with a group in a local chalk art contest and winning a congressional award at the Springville Art Show. I also took on new challenges in art, experimenting with media I was less familiar with and creating bigger pieces than ever before.
After High school, I attended Utah State University as an art student on a presidential scholarship. The art program was extremely challenging but very rewarding. I was pushed out of my comfort zone with my art, leading to mastery of new skills. I enjoyed group critiques and met friends I still have today, bonding over love for art and exhaustion from many all-nighters. After my first year, I ultimately decided to leave the program due to many struggles with my mental health.
Using Art, Plants, & Therapy for Healing
In February of 2020, after many years of battling with mental health, I spent a week in inpatient treatment at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute in Salt Lake City. While this was a scary time for me and my family, it was also a time of intense growth for me. The healing process is difficult and never-ending, but it is rewarding. One of the most useful coping skills I found through my own hard times was using my art to lift others up. For multiple years, everything I painted was a gift for others: postcards for people I met at HMHI, paintings for friends who were going through hard times, pieces of art to show love and gratitude for family. Using my art to uplift became a part of my core identity and gave me a sense of purpose. In September of 2021, I self-published a coloring book called Hues of Healing, containing meaningful quotes and skills I had learned in my own journey with mental health. The following year, with the help of friends and family, I donated over $300 of art supplies along with copies of my coloring book to HMHI.
The Heart Behind Elise's Sanctuary
I believe my journey with art has only just begun. In July of 2024, I left my job to pursue art full time. With this website, I hope to share my passion for art in new ways and with new audiences.
I am incredibly grateful for the support from friends and family who encourage me and promote my art to others. This venture truly feels like a lifelong dream coming true, one that hadn’t always seemed possible. I am excited to share these moments with you and to see what’s to come in the future.
