The Swissvale Farmers Market

Art Finds Magic, Intuition, and Community

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of the Swissvale Farmers Market’s most enchanting vendors, Jessica Pixie Art. A symbolist folk artist whose work is deeply inspired by the natural world, Jessica brings a touch of ritual and magic to every market day.

Jessica, who started vending with the Swissvale Farmers Market last year, provided us with insights into her creative process, her life in Pittsburgh, and her powerful stance on the future of art.

Jessica describes her art as a “conversation with the environment and energy,” noting that her style is intuitive, emotional, and spiritual. Drawing inspiration from formative experiences near the ocean and forests. She creates work that feels both ancient and alive.

As a symbolist folk artist, Jessica primarily works with fibers, paint, and light. Her work, often seeking to translate grief by integrating pain to find beauty in the wreckage, is a collaboration with energies unseen.

When creating, her greatest joy comes from finding the moments that feel right.

“I feel an actual jump in my chest when I’ve found the right image, color combination, or creature,” she shares. “I enjoy not following strict rules and letting magic happen… I find a lot of joy in trusting my own voice and not caring what anyone else thinks.”

Originally from Upstate New York and Long Island, Jessica has been a Pittsburgh resident for four years. She was immediately enchanted by the city’s distinct neighborhood identities.

And in a move that might shock a few New Yorkers, she has found a local spot, “Spak Brothers Pizza saved me because I miss NY pizza and could not find any that came close… Spak Brothers kind of wins over NY. I can’t believe I’m saying that.”

A notable aspect of Jessica’s professional life is her choice to leave major social media platforms, a decision rooted in political, moral, and artistic conviction.

Jessica views her departure from sites like Meta as a refusal to participate with “insincere actors” who value profit over people. Crucially, her decision is a firm stance against the irresponsible use of AI in art.

“Real art takes time, effort, and emotion. It is certainly not just about making profit,” she says. “It is definitely making it harder for full and part-time artists to make a living because we cannot compete with AI scraping our work and producing it at that pace.”

For those who want to support ethical art, Jessica encourages them to find her on Cara, an anti-AI platform with a strict policy that scans all work for AI and protects artists. You can easily find the link on her website.

Jessica shared valuable tips for both established crafters and those looking to start selling:

• For Crafters: “Do not compare yourself to other people. Each artist has their vision… Comparing yourself to someone else is not helpful because they are on their own path. Yours will look different. Trust in that and you’ll find your own spot. There is room for everyone.”
• For Sellers: Decide on the standard of quality you are putting out. Jessica credits receiving the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grant from the Pittsburgh Arts Council, which allowed her to professionally photograph her work (with Bankrupt Bodega) and print locally with PGH Printship. She emphasizes that community is key: “Find the other artists you connect with. We support each other at markets, let each other know about application dates, work on projects together and give each other feedback.”

If you miss Jessica Pixie Art at the Swissvale Farmers Market, you can find her work at a variety of markets in the area. Prints are also available in local shops like Mayfly Market and Deli, SoMe PGH, and Pandora 7 Full Circle Art and Antiques.

Jessica is currently working on her first children’s book, runs a podcast called Tales Unearthed, and writes on her Substack, A Misty Twilight.

The best place to stay up-to-date on new work, events, and all her projects is her official website and through her monthly newsletter:

Website: jessicapixie.com