The art of rising again

Article by Jesse Latte

I am a multidisciplinary artist, which basically means I work with whatever I feel drawn to at the moment. Painting, sculpting, special effects, mixed media—you name it, I’ve tried it. My work isn’t about fitting into one box; it’s about giving shape and color to emotions that refuse to be quiet. Growing up between Queens, New York, and Florida, I carry two very different energies. New York gave me the drive to keep moving forward no matter what, while Florida gave me the warmth and patience to care deeply for the people and the work I love. I bring both of these into my art: the relentless push to create, and the reminder to approach it with heart.

My journey as an artist hasn’t been easy. I’ve lost a lot along the way—moments, opportunities, people I thought would stay—but each loss has taught me something important. Mostly, that I am enough, even on the days when it doesn’t feel that way. My art has been my proof. When life tried to knock me down, I turned to my canvases, clay, cameras, and brushes. I poured my fears, frustrations, joy, and grief into my work. And every time I stepped back, I could see a reflection of resilience staring back at me. Each piece became a reminder that, no matter what, I could keep going.

Recognition in the art world doesn’t come easily. It’s not just about talent—it’s about persistence, courage, and showing up even when you feel invisible. One of the moments I’m most proud of wasn’t winning an award or getting a big feature—it was when people started noticing the energy I put into my work. They weren’t comparing me to anyone else—they were responding to the honesty and care I bring to each piece. It was a quiet, validating moment that reminded me why I keep pushing through the challenges.

Art is hard. It’s messy. And sometimes it’s scary. You put yourself into something so personal that anyone could look at it and either love it or not connect with it at all. I’ve doubted myself more times than I can count, wondering if I was chasing a dream I might never reach. But the people who’ve been by my side reminded me of my value, encouraged me to keep going, and celebrated my small victories along the way. Their support has been invaluable—sometimes it’s the voice of a friend or mentor that keeps you moving forward when your own voice falters.

Living between New York and Florida has also taught me the importance of balance. You can have all the energy in the world, but if you don’t take time to pause, reflect, and recharge, it becomes chaotic. Art is the same. It’s not just about producing work—it’s about living experiences that feed it. Heartbreaks, joys, the absurdities of life—they all find their way into my art. When I let those experiences guide me, the work becomes alive. It becomes more than paint on canvas or clay in my hands—it becomes a reflection of life itself.

I make art for myself, but also for anyone who has ever felt unseen or unheard. I want people to look at my work and feel understood, validated, and inspired. Losing is not the end, gaining comes in many forms, and fighting for yourself is an act of courage. I want people to laugh, cry, and feel alongside me through my work. Because at the end of the day, art isn’t just about the final piece—it’s about vulnerability, perseverance, and the small victories that keep us moving forward.

So here I am. A New York-born, living artist, still learning, still creating, still fighting for myself. I’ve lost, I’ve gained, and I continue to rise. My art is my proof, my outlet, and my celebration of life. Every brushstroke, every sculpture, every experiment is another step on a journey that’s far from over. And I’m okay with that. Because I know I’m learning, I’m growing, and I’m doing my best—and sometimes, that’s enough.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyjesselatte