Photo courtesy of Elyse Tuennerman
Her prints featuring a variety of different animals; they are humorous, salty and generally adorable, sure to brighten any pet lover's home!
How did you get started creating your pieces?
My "day job" is in technology and UX research, so I spend a lot of time thinking about what the human eye and brain are drawn to. Writing a research study — though it's not exactly "art" — is a creative exercise in its own way, but it doesn't quite scratch the creative itch to create something visual.I've dabbled in digital art for a long time, but took my first "real" art class at Phoenix Center for the Arts a few years ago. I loved that class — figure drawing with Edna Dapo, a fantastic local artist! That rekindled my love of art and got me back into digital drawing, which led to the creation of Jusko Studio.
Photo courtesy of Elyse Tuennerman
What’s the favorite part of your work/what you make?
My work primarily features dogs and cats, which often gives me the opportunity to talk with people about their pets! I am obsessed with my dog Laszlo, and we do dog agility together. I also volunteer at Almost There Rescue, an amazing local organization that specializes in rescuing pregnant and nursing momma dogs and their puppies. The dogs that I meet through agility and volunteer work often serve as inspiration for my pieces!
How do you express your creativity through your work?
Animals are fun subjects for art because their forms are so wide-ranging. I love to imagine animals in silly, human situations — wearing cowboy hats, or competing in human sports, or holding a stiff cocktail. The multitude of shapes and sizes that you find in the animal kingdom makes that creativity extra fun. A Boston Terrier wearing roller skates has an entirely different "feel" than a dachshund wearing roller skates.
Photo courtesy of Elyse Tuennerman
What brings you joy?
As a newcomer to Phoenix (formerly a Pittsburgher, then Michigander, then Chicagoan), I am still absolutely enamored by saguaro cactuses! Seeing them always brings me joy. They are just so... otherworldly!
Photo courtesy of Elyse Tuennerman
What challenge(s) have you overcome?
Well, despite the fact that my work tends to be somewhat colorful — I am actually colorblind! This is one of the many reasons why I enjoy digital art as a medium.... I can rely on hex codes to tell me what color I am working with! :)Anything exciting in the works/coming up for you?
My sister is a zookeeper at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (yeah, she is the coolest), and I have a holiday visit planned. Spending time by the ocean, and at the aquarium, always gives me new ideas for animals to feature in my pieces!
Photo courtesy of Elyse Tuennerman
What do you wish for the world?
Well, many things! But the wishes that come to mind at present are — restfulness, justice, and community.Downtown Phoenix has been very kind to me as a new home community. The vibrant built environment, the wonderful organizations and businesses (including MADE!), the gorgeous nature, the walkable neighborhoods — that sense of community is something that I wish for everyone.
You can check them out around the web:
Website: juskostudio.com
IG: instagram.com/juskostudio
Shop her Collection at MADE here
Interview by Judith Dauncey, November 2023