about
Biography
Growing up in Philadelphia, Jessica was immersed in art, surrounded by artists and their creative processes, which fostered her deep appreciation for the craft. She earned her BFA from The University of the Arts and the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) before completing her MSW at Temple University.
In 2007, Jessica took a break to stay home with her children. In 2018, she reconnected with her passion for making art and discovered sculpting in cement. Captivated by the medium, she started by creating indoor vessels and selling them on Etsy and at local fairs. During the pandemic, she shifted her focus, expanding into sculpting spheres for gallery exhibitions, outdoor landscapes, and community-driven projects.
Jessica’s achievements include artist awards, participation in climate resilience programs, and securing grants for her work. She is actively involved with arts organizations in New Jersey and Philadelphia and is deeply committed to creating art for private, public, and community engagement. Through collaborative projects, workshops, commissions, and exhibitions, Jessica continues to bridge the gap between art and community, striving to make a lasting impact.
Artist Statement
I am a sculptor based in Washington Township, Gloucester County. I specialize in hand-painted spherical sculptures and cement bases. My passion for creating these spheres comes from the immersive process of shaping them and seeing how they enhance spaces with depth and interest.
My creative process involves manually sculpting hollow spheres and decorating them with various painting techniques. I often use shades of color to evoke a planet-like appearance or paint intricate scenes that draw viewers in. When invited, the spheres I create also become a vehicle for others to express what is important to them through their paintings.
The spherical shape has become my primary focus in sculpture for several reasons. Its universality—stemming from the celestial sphere—gives it profound symbolic significance across cultures. The smooth, curved lines of the sphere, devoid of sharp edges or ridges, convey a sense of groundedness and calm. Its self-contained nature allows it to stand firm and stable, yet it only connects with others when intentionally placed beside it. To me, this symbolizes inner strength and the gentle nature of boundaries.
When positioned among plantings, the sphere becomes an unwavering, still, and grounded form, offering steadfast support to the surrounding flora and fauna as they bend and sway around them.
Jessica Osborne-Mungekar
