Jess Wallace attended the Byam Shaw School of Art in London, graduating with distinction. Prior to her artistic career, Wallace entered the racing industry in her home village of Lambourn and rode as a professional National Hunt jockey for six years.
In the 1990s Jess began work with the Department of Palaeontology of the Natural History Museum, London, making precision fossil drawings of Baryonyx Walkeri for their archives and publication. This association continued for over ten years on various projects including the Dinobird Exhibition, a collaboration between the Natural History Museums of London and China.
In addition to her own work in painting and sculpture, Jess has undertaken commissions, produced illustrations and photography for publication, and collaborated with theatre and dance companies in photography, video and set design.