Friends of Brie Leon - Jess Cochrane

In conversation with visual artist, Jess Cochrane

Above: The Chloe Bag, Dark Taupe Snake Skin

Describe what you do for a living? What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m a visual artist. I work from my home studio in South London with my two rather useless studio assistants, Noodle the cat and Pig the Dog. A typical day for me these days consists of waking up and having a coffee downstairs with my partner, Ben, replying to emails and making to do lists, then heading upstairs to the studio to either work on paintings, writing, documenting my work, shooting for a portrait, getting content for social, the odd phone call, meeting or studio visit.. the list goes on. Every day is slightly different in terms of what on my to do list but generally it’s very fulfilling and definitely very peaceful being able to indulge in working from home.

What was some advice you wish you were given when starting out?

Don’t get so caught up on how you and your work are perceived to the point where you’re afraid to try new things within your practice.

Above: Neeva Pendant Necklace, Neeva Triple Drop Earrings & Veeda Stud Hoop Earrings

What’s your favourite Brie Leon piece and why?

I am obsessed with all the mini Chloe bags. My wardrobe is full of oversized men’s vintage blazers so I love to contrast that with tiny bags. The smaller the better.

How do you approach your personal style?

These days i’m more interested in investing in what feels like me rather than getting caught up in seasonal trends. I like to approach my style with a sense of practical and a sense of fun and effortlessness. If you were to look in my wardrobe, you would find that it to be similar to a food pyramid in the sense that its predominantly classic pieces like denim jeans, trousers, black and white tees, shirting, then a few hoodies, tracksuits, jackets etc, then a couple of prints, a few designer pieces, and some extra fabulous bits on top of the pyramid. I think jewellery and accessories are the easiest way to make a look feel on trend so I sometimes like to buy a few seasonal accessories, however, I definitely love a selection of simple gold pieces added to an outfit. 

Above: The Chloe Bag, Dark Taupe Snake Skin & The Mini Chloe (Satin), Black

What are you reading, listening to and watching at the moment?

I’m currently reading a book called Seven Days In The Art World, i’m listening to Sad Night Dynamite and i’m watching loads of gardening tutorials on youtube.

What’s something exciting that’s coming up in the next couple of months?

my next solo show at Rhodes Contemporary Art :)

Thank you Jess! @jesscochrane____