Welcome to Mental Subway, a place where creativity and resilience converge. I am Jessica Sellars, the artist behind this unique journey into the world of art, music, and the human spirit.
A Lifetime of Artistry
My love for art ignited before I took my first steps and has always filled my soul. Raised in a family of artists, I was destined to create. My journey eventually led me to the heart of Latin Jazz and Salsa music, where I had the privilege of collaborating with the master musicians of the former Tito Puente Orchestra. In 2010, our collective effort culminated in the creation of the Grammy Nominated album Watch Out! Ten Cuidao! with the Mambo Legends Orchestra.
A Life-Changing Turn
In 2013, my life took an unforeseen turn when a vehicle wreck left me with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), TBI Cascade Effect and Facet joints broken in my spine. Days turned into years marked by relentless pain, trembling, loss of executive function, and a lot more. It was a dark and challenging period to say the least. I only made it through those years because of the love of those closest to me and I am filled with gratitude.
Rediscovering Creativity
Throughout the years that have followed those most trying ones, I have tried to create in bearable (and sometimes not so bearable) moments. I have experimented with various mediums, often finding myself surrounded by tubes of paint in bed while non functional or in intense pain. In 2020 a pivotal moment arrived when my brothers gifted me an iPad and iPencil. This technology changed everything for me. It allowed me to create freely, in any position, without the need for extensive materials. It was a lifeline to my creativity and a new tool that I could use to begin to, once again, find and reshape my artistic voice.
Celebrating Resilience Through Art
My artwork is an expression of resilience. I have paired my pieces with a wide range of products – from phone cases and clothing for the entire family, to stickers, luggage, and more. Each piece is a celebration of my ability to create, even in the face of uncertainty. My creations are a testament to the journey through the intricate and sometimes tumultuous tunnels of my mind… my Mental Subway.
Discover the Magic
As you explore Mental Subway, you'll encounter an array of digital drawings, paintings, designs, photos, patterns, and other random beauty. Each piece carries the undertone of a mind that can feel both broken and magical, a reminder that even in life's most challenging moments, there is always room for joy, love, and gratitude.
Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey. Your support means the world, and I hope that these creations inspire you to find your own resilience and strength in the face of difficulty.
