The Chimera Collection

A Chimera lives in the world of fantasy.  In the Bible, the monster is the harbinger of end times, and in Greek Mythology she (always she) is a singular creature composed of many animals; whose appearance was also connected to great change, particularly volcanoes.  When we use the term to define things in our waking world it is connected to mutation, genetic modification, and delusion or fantasy.  The Chimera Collection draws inspiration from these definitions through a lens of rapid and aggressive evolution.  Each specimen shows the successes or beautiful failures of Jesse’s fictional disambiguation. Reminding us all that the purpose of change is adaptation and resilience.  

  In our lifetime we are witnessing the reversal of genetic traits and the hybridization of animals due to environmental encroachment and climate change.  We see in nature and in ourselves how our world is moving us towards ‘adapt or die.’  As terrifying as this is, it is familiar and necessary for a living planet.  Perhaps we have all adopted traits of the Chimera.  

These colorful illustrations explore the fantasy of this chaos.  What would it look like if there were no rules? The “failures or successes” of these animals and habitats often run parallel to the peaks and valleys of my own life experiences.  The body of work is ongoing, it has accompanied me through the change and adaptation that is part of my world.