Currently, she is working on an infographic about the installation of a solar grid in Vieques, Puerto Rico. This location was chosen because it is a landmark on the island, well-known to locals as the home of Radio Vieques and an art history museum. In times of crisis, the solar grid system—30 panels plus two Tesla batteries will power the radio station and provide access to power for locals. It can also serve as a shelter. “When the information is complex, we start with who is the audience, what do they know, and what are they missing,” Jessica says. Art has many different forms, and she believes that as an artist there is a social responsibility to help the community around her.

As a native New Yorker, Jessica is constantly confronted with the effects of climate change on the city. It is particularly concerning that there are minimal efforts being taken to increase energy efficiency. “Energy efficiency can get us halfway to the carbon emissions cuts, but we need to stay below the 1.5 degree celsius warning,” she says, citing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. Climate change is also a social issue; disadvantaged communities are affected more than anyone else and that a Just Transition which ensures worker’s livelihoods when making the change to sustainable production, is the only path towards a greener future. Jessica remarks: “I’m eager to talk about climate and communicate the work of my colleagues more clearly. I always feel like I’m only as good as the last thing I made or did, so I use that as motivation.” She believes we need to hold ourselves accountable for the health of our communities by taking steps in our lives to be more green, call out polluters, and make our voices heard.

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Communicating Complex Ideas with Design