Jill was born in Sheridan, Wyoming and grew up in the intermountain west.  Her freelance career began as a toy painter for companies such as Disney and Applause where she painted the original sculptures of toys before they were sent off to be reproduced. Once Jill’s skill in sculptured collectibles and giftware design was recognized she became the sought out professional for clients looking for “whimsical” and “cute” products.  She was one of the top giftware designers for Teleflora for over two decades.

Jill’s talent caught the attention of the international giftware company Maruri for whom Jill created and sculpted the collectible figurine series, In A Nutshell, a 27 piece series of small hinged nuts which open to reveal a world of tiny animals in everyday situations from selling lemonade to throwing a Halloween party.

The In A Nutshell series led Jill to appear as a guest artist at many national and international giftware shows as well as being a featured artist on the Q.V.C. home shopping network. Her sculpture work has expanded into a collectible series of sculptures and children’s books called Jirina’s Journey. Her “Sea Spirits” and “Forest Spirits” can be found in coastal galleries in the Pacific Northwest.

Jill’s latest work is fine art sculpture for bronze. Her unique style combines the human figure with nature and depicts the subject in an original way.  

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"My creative practice begins with morning meditation and a cup of tea, then I walk from my kitchen to my work space in 5 steps. I usually have more than one creative project to choose from so I will settle into that which pulls me. If I am sculpting, I listen to music or audio books and will take a break to pick up my guitar and sing.

For inspiration, I pay attention to life’s signaling moments and to dreams where I often see my pieces before beginning. My path seems to unfold naturally connecting me with others who spark ideas or guide me. You will find sketches taped to my work space walls and small trial sculptures on shelves. The Unity in Love monument began with my 85 year old neighbor showing me a proposal she submitted years ago for a “Peace Monument” in the shape of an 18ft human heart. I LOVED the message behind her intention and in the wee hours the following morning I dreamed of a tree slowly turning around with sparkling lights and branches reaching to form a heart. As I continue to sculpt my dreams become more vivid confirming my path is correct."

 

 

EDUCATION

Protégé of Master Sculptor John Soderberg - Sedona, AZ

Utah State University – Art Major - Children’s Book Illustration

AWARDS

SILVER PAINTBRUSH AWARD -APPLAUSE TOY COMPANY / BEST PAINT MASTER PAINTER

PRESS AND EXHIBITIONS

FIGURINES & COLLECTIBLES MAGAZINE ARTICLE

INTERNATIONAL COLLECTIBLE SHOWS, ATLANTA, DALLAS, LAS VEGAS, LOS ANGELES

QVC - FEATURED GUEST ARTIST FOR THE TELEVISION SHOW