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.
Jess 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. In 2023, she completed training in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy with the Metavision Institute, where she is currently an Associate Lecturer.
Her 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. Over the years, her works have been participatory text-based installations that provide audiences with meaningful opportunities for personal reflection, such as: Soul Secrets, as part of Micro Galleries in Nowra (2015), Ten Thousand Paces in Bowral (2016), and Hapenny Lane in Katoomba (2017); the Before I Die wall in Mittagong, Bowral, Moss Vale (2016), and the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre (2019); Leaving Love (2018-2019), as part of The Art of Giving at Retford Park in Bowral, Sculptures for Clyde (2019), and Sculptures at Killalea (2019); and Wisdom Weaving, which was featured at the Hillview Sculpture Biennial and Sculptures at Killalea in 2018. Non-participatory works include: Liminal Leaves at Retford Park in Bowral (2022); vinyl text installations at Mental (Scruples and Humanity Always) and The CORRIDOR Project (Scruples) (2020).
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, Jess 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.
Her 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.