London-born painter Jamie Nares has spent her career reducing the world to its essence through a singular focus on the brushstroke. Her journey from experimental films to minimalist canvases is a testament to enduring artistic truth.

A recent move to Upstate New York, where she bought herself a family home, represents both a return to roots and continued evolution. Nares credits her process with stripping away what's superfluous, much as one might make bread from simple ingredients — each stroke telling a unique story of identity and creation.

Speaking candidly about the repressive culture that once stifled her true self, Nares reveals how coming out in 2019 was both liberating and daunting. Her work remains indifferent to labels, yet undeniably personal, reflecting an ongoing search for authenticity.

The interview also touches on the meditative nature of painting versus writing, with Nares admitting that while it's not fun, she continues to find endless possibilities in each stroke. This journey towards essence mirrors her broader quest for identity and truth.