Jessica Cole // Exposure Grant // Socialmark Giving

Jessica Cole

I come from a large family and now have four children of my own, so my life has always been full, busy, and deeply rooted in connection. Growing up without much taught me how to be resourceful and creative—I learned to make the most of what I had, and that mindset has stayed with me ever since. I’ve always believed that beauty can be found anywhere, especially in things others might overlook. To me, “someone else’s trash is another man’s treasure” isn’t just a saying—it’s a way of life. I’m an artist at heart. I love photography, painting, crafting, and bringing old or broken things back to life. There’s something incredibly meaningful about transforming something worn into something beautiful again. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve seen the world a little differently—I used to look up at the sky and see the ocean in it, and even now I’m drawn to capturing those kinds of moments through my camera. Photography, especially, has been a lifelong passion. I’m the one behind the lens at family gatherings, preserving the laughter, the love, and the fleeting moments that matter most. I feel like I notice details and perspectives that others might miss, and that’s what inspires my creativity. Whether it’s through art, repurposing, or photography, I’m always searching for the unique beauty in the everyday.

I believe I should be awarded a photography grant because I bring a unique perspective shaped by a lifetime of finding beauty in what others often overlook. Growing up with limited resources taught me to see value in the ordinary and the discarded, and that mindset is at the heart of my work. I don’t just take photographs—I capture meaning, emotion, and authenticity in everyday moments.

As both an artist and a mother of four, I understand the importance of preserving real, unfiltered memories. My photography reflects genuine connection, resilience, and the quiet beauty of life as it truly is. I have always seen the world differently—since I was a child imagining the ocean in the sky—and that vision continues to guide my creative eye today.

This grant would allow me to grow my skills, expand my reach, and continue telling stories that might otherwise go unseen. I am passionate, dedicated, and driven to create work that not only captures moments but gives them lasting value.