Jessica Raschke is a writer, artist and therapist. All of her work is guided by existential and soul-informed explorations into what makes for a meaningful existence.
She has a PhD in Culture and Communication (RMIT University), following the completion of a Bachelor of Arts (Cultural Studies and History, University of Melbourne, Dean’s List), and training in Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT University. Most recently, she completed training in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy with the Metavision Institute.
Jessica’s most recent installations, Ruined Roads and GRAVES, were featured at Articulate Project Space in 2024. LOVE LAND was also installed as part of The CORRIDOR Project’s ERTHWRX24. She also exhibited Liminal Leaves at Retford Park in 2022. In 2020, she focused on vinyl text-based installations at Mental (Scruples and Humanity Always) and The CORRIDOR Project (Scruples).
She also installed Soul Secrets, as part of Micro Galleries in Nowra (2015), Ten Thousand Paces in Bowral (2016), and Hapenny Lane in Katoomba (2017), and the Before I Die wall in Mittagong, Bowral, and Moss Vale (2016), with artists Monica Donoso and Martin Bretherick.
Other works have included participatory text-based installations that provided audiences with meaningful opportunities for personal reflection. Leaving Love (2018-2019) was part of The Art of Giving at Retford Park in Bowral, Sculptures for Clyde (2019), and Sculptures at Killalea (2019). Wisdom Weaving was featured at the Hillview Sculpture Biennial and Sculptures at Killalea in 2018.
In 2019, Jessica and Martin created a new Before I Die wall as part of From the Brink: A Fringe Festival About Ageing Dying and Grieving at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.
Over the years, other key works have been installed at VAC in Bendigo (Mystified – projected poetry), Kings ARI (Suicide Silence – projected monologue), 69 Smith Street Gallery (Shallow Impulse – vinyl text), and fauxPho (What We’re Going Through – lightboxes).
In keeping with her passion for existential explorations, and since training with the Natural Death Care Centre and Preparing the Way, Jessica has worked as a death literacy advocate and has facilitated a range of Death Cafes and Mortality and Mystery gatherings across New South Wales, Australia.
Jessica’s most recent poetry collection, Lightning Shades (2021) is available through Ginninderra Press.
You can learn more about her here and get in touch with her here.