Jesamie's Story

Jesamie Floss’ ‘different’ brain has always been the source of much anguish, as she struggled to navigate the world and find her place within it. But diagnoses of ADHD and autism earlier this year changed everything for Jesamie. She now chooses to examine her brain from a place of curiosity rather than condemnation. 

“It’s kind of this new thing I’m trying. My whole life I’ve been very mean to my brain – saying I’m worthless, I don’t understand how the world works, I can’t grasp common sense subjects. I always felt that I was lacking in some distinct area, but I didn’t quite know what that was.” 

“Now I’ve decided to come at it from a new angle – curiosity rather than criticism. The brain is so fascinating. It's definitely a struggle to distance myself from the damaging narratives I had been telling myself, but it is possible to unlearn that behaviour. Every time you practice, you get a little bit better at it – you build up resilience.” 

Jesamie’s art is a conduit for connecting with others in ways that she otherwise finds difficult. 

“I really want to connect with people but I don’t always know how to do that. Sometimes my brain struggles and I have a lot of big emotions. My art allows me to explore the aspects of life that I can’t necessarily tell people about – but I can show them.” 

"Entwined Sunlight" by Jesamie Floss on display at the 2022 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition.

With a focus on the delicate, raw elements of the human spirit, Jesamie’s art seeks to highlight strength in vulnerability. Her ethereal, tender depictions of other-worldly women proved popular in the 2022 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition, both selling quickly. 

“I like to explore the parts of humanity that don’t always get enough recognition; all the intangible things we take for granted. I endeavour to capture emotions and feelings that others might describe as weaknesses. I find myself inspired by this side of humanity.” 

While selling her art is not Jesamie’s primary goal, it definitely provides a boost to the self-esteem! 

“It’s not about the money at all - it’s about someone connecting with your artwork enough to buy it and hang it in their home and see it every day. It’s like having a part of your soul on someone else’s wall. It’s phenomenal every time it happens – I feel really grateful.”  

Having a platform to share her message of self-acceptance and the power of neurodiversity is something Jesamie holds dear. 

“Being involved in the exhibition and sharing my story in a public space has been really affirming for me as a person. It has been a while since I exhibited anywhere, and I had this thought that I wasn’t good enough. There’s always that fear of rejection. I had to dispel my own fears about entering and I’m so glad I did.” 

“The journey of self-acceptance is constant. I’d say I’m not fully there yet. I guess that’s what life is about – every year you get to know your brain a bit more and strive to show yourself more compassion and understanding.”  

With a host of impressive artistic achievements under her belt, with artwork included in Jungle Love and Elements festivals, Royal Queensland Art Society and private exhibitions at cafés, Jesamie shows no signs of slowing down soon. 

“I’d love more space and time in the future to do my art, hopefully as a career. I’m hoping that’s on the cards! I love to jump into what makes my soul feel alive – and that’s art. I have so many roadblocks that I’m working through in feeling deserving of this career. Over the years I’ve told myself that art is frivolous, but I know that’s not true. Art can help others; art can change lives.” 

Follow Jesamie on Instagram and Facebook, and visit her website.