Jessica Gorlicky or JessGo as she’s better known, is a Toronto-based artist who has been creating art for over 20 years, with already more than 1,000 custom pieces under her belt. “I am grateful every day that I’m living my dream of doing that full time,” she tells us. To top it off Jessica has the pleasure of travelling the globe performing live art for some of the most recognizable brands out there, including Nordstrom, Coca-Cola, Guerlain, and Lululemon to name just a few.
We chatted with the globetrotting artist to find out just what she packs in her carry-on, how she kills time waiting for a flight (it’s not duty-free browsing) and her favourite place to soak up sunshine in the winter.
How much travelling do you do? Work, personal, both? Last trip you took was for?
My last trip was last week and the next trip is this week! I’m so fortunate that my career has led to many great adventures. I took 27 flights between January and April 2014 for instance, for performance art events in Canada and the U.S., including one at a Rainforest Action Network benefit hosted by Whoopie Goldberg and Chris Noth. The most recent personal trip for me was to Lithuania and Barcelona in September, but Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver seem to be my most frequent work destinations.
What’s your carry-on bag?
Brown Gucci duffel and Alexander Wang Marti backpack in metallic pink.
What are your top 3 carry-on essentials besides your phone?
M.A.C. Cosmetics Lipglass in pink poodle. Hydrate by Sisley moisturizer. Macbook Pro Computer.
Travel accessory/app you can’t leave home without?
Wide rimmed hat and scarf (Rag & Bone hat, American Apparel scarf).
How do you kill time waiting for your flight/during a layover?
Meet a random person over a beer and strike up a conversation.
Favourite hotel?
That’s tough! I’ll go with the W Hotel as well as the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver B.C./Lake Louise, Alberta.
Hotel amenity you can’t live without?
A hotel sauna and spa. I can live without it but why would I want to?
Favourite museum/art gallery and why?
Picasso Museum Barcelona — such an amazing evolution of the life of an artist from childhood to adulthood.
Most memorable meal. Where and what did you have?
Model Milk, Calgary. WOW, what an exceptional dining/wine experience. I will never forget the gnocchi melting in my mouth and the braised beef falling off the bone!
Current travel reading material/playlist?
Jack White’s new album Lazaretto, anything from The White Stripes and their newer album Icky Thump. Arcade Fire, Reflektor (all albums all the time!).
Favourite travel-friendly beauty product?
Hour Glass Foundation. Carmex lip moisturizer. Daisy by Marc Jacobs.
Biggest travel pet peeve?
A long line up at security. That’s why having a NEXUS card or an American Express is so worth it.
Tell us what your airplane style is.
Lululemon leggings or J Brand jeans (so comfy). All Saints baggy white tank. Zadig-Voltaire sweater. Hector Boots in Nude. G-star Beanie hat. World Family pouch in gold fringe. Vintage jewels etc. Marc Jacobs runway black and white square sunnies.
Travel & Style’s Pick: Aurelie Bidermann Vintage Lace Ring, $469.44, shopbop.com
Last vacation – where, with who & best memory?
Miami is always a winner. My husband and I go frequently throughout the year and during the Christmas holidays we had about a dozen friends down there so that makes for interesting beach time and night life. We love checking new restaurants and our fave past spots. There’s nothing like flip flops in December. Period.
Most memorable souvenir?
My engagement ring, bought in Chicago.
Where are you headed to next and what for?
Miami again in two days from now, meeting with some clients and event planners for future exhibitions.
Dream destination?
