Local artist profile: Jill Connors

This week we chat with painter and installation artist Jill Connors, who regularly engages in “walking and fossicking” to collect “bits and pieces” to use as art materials.

What initially motivated you to become a painter/installation artist?

At the age of 46 my life changed significantly. I left my 9-5 job in Bendigo, travelled for a year throughout Europe, and finally settled in the Whitsundays, living on a small income generated by selling handmade items at the weekly Airlie Beach market.

That lifestyle change exposed the creative side of me that had (been) laid dormant.

I’ve always enjoyed walking and fossicking, no matter where I live, collecting coloured seeds in Queensland, dentalium shells in Greece, broken stems of smoking clay pipes in England, rusty tin in the Bendigo bush and more.

From painting, which I started about 12 years ago, I’ve more recently enjoyed utilising some of my finds in art and installations.

How would you describe your style?

My work is quite contemporary and intuitive. The found objects seem to present themselves into a particular format. I don’t always plan a piece, quite the reverse. The collected “bits and pieces” provide me with the impetus to reconfigure, redefine, and create anew.

My paintings too are quite vibrant and free.

Which other artists inspire you?

In effect it’s nature and all that it provides me with that’s my inspiration.

But reading about installation artists such as Fiona Hall, Karla Dickens, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude, has provided me with the confidence to continue to create in the way I do.

I admire the work of Wendy Sharpe and Amanda Hyatt – their approach to their art, their skill and their “joie de vivre”.

Andy Goldsworthy is another artist whom I admire for his work in the natural world.

What are some highlights or fond memories you have from your career so far?

A memorable highlight was winning the 2013 Major Prize, Contemporary Composition, in the Rotary Club of Bendigo Easter Art Show. What a surprise!

Also painting “en plein aire” when travelling outback with my friend in her van. Lots of adventures and painting!

How can people check out your work online?

I am new to Facebook and have a limited number of photographs on the site. I find it difficult to fully encapsulate the entirety of my installations in a photograph, so I am happy for people to contact me with a view to visiting my home studio any time.

Do you have any exhibitions coming up?

No, but as mentioned, appointments can be made (at my studio) any weekday or weekend for visitors. Just ring first to make sure I’m home (on 0488 798 890).

If I’m not physically working on something, I’m outside walking, gathering, or on the block messing about with my reservoir of “stuff”, which ultimately leads to the beginning of a creation-cum-installation.

What would you say to young regional aspiring painters/installation artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Although I’ve always been in awe and gratitude to the wonders of nature, seeing beauty in the small, the broken and the plain, I did not realise until later years that innate creativity can be art.

No matter what age a person is, I would say take the plunge, be courageous, be uninhibited, and do what you want. Paint, play, skip, dance. Don’t hesitate, do it now!

Of course read, visit galleries, research, but ultimately be true to yourself.