Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Tower.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up under the umbrella of my parents’ hobby of rock-hounding and lapidary work. My dad made spheres and bookends, slabs and tumbled rocks. We traveled on family rock hunting trips throughout the western states, I learned to identify many rocks and minerals. In college, I really enjoyed my studio art classes, but my practical nature did not allow me to pursue a related degree. I do not regret this, as my choices led to other wonderful life experiences, such as living and working for a year in Kunming, China, pursuing a career in high-tech and earning a master’s degree at MIT. I stayed home to raise my family after my second child was born and signed up for my first metalsmithing class once my children started school. I worked very slowly and sporadically until several things came together for me and I started being productive in Fall 2015.
Please tell us about your art.
I am an enamellist who creates art jewelry. My primary inspiration is nature and wildlife, particularly birds. I am a very literal-minded person. I don’t create work with hidden meanings or deep symbolism. My goal is to create a beautiful miniature piece of wearable art that balances a sense of realism and the spirit of the animal I am reproducing. I love enameling because it covers a vast array of materials and techniques. I love to try new things, and with enameling, I believe I will never run out of new things to do and try. Fortunately, this pairs perfectly with my current job teaching enameling classes at the Irvine Fine Arts Center. I am always working to create fresh content for my students, which leads to continual experimentation and pursuit of new techniques. It’s my favorite thing to do.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Social media is a great way to connect with other artists. I joined Instagram in 2015. It is a platform designed for visual artists. I like to post process photos, especially the tools and techniques that I am trying for the first time. The positive feedback and supportive community is a bit like the carrot on a stick; it motivates me to fire up my kiln and get working. My approach is to share everything, and not worry about copycats. My favorite accounts are other artists in any media who have a similar approach. I never tire of learning how people make their art, down to the smallest details about their favorite paintbrush, or a technical tip. I participate on Facebook as well, primarily through various enameling and metalsmithing groups where people post work, ask questions and share information. I find that Facebook skews to an older demographic and Instagram skews younger, so as an artist I find it important to participate in both in order to reach a wider audience. Lastly, I’ve met some great friends and kindred spirits taking workshops around the U.S. Locally, the Idyllwild Arts Metals Week is a wonderful venue with high-quality workshops held annually in June. It is an excellent way to connect with our local Southern California arts community while learning skills that can take your work to the next level. I highly recommend it.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
In 2018, my “North American Owls” bracelet was a Finalist for the Saul Bell Design Award. My “Koi Fish” was the winner of the 2018 Halstead Design Challenge, and part of the juried exhibition at the Society of North American Goldsmith (SNAG) Portland Symposium. My “Nuthatch” brooch was juried into the 2018 SNAG Jewelry and Metals Survey print exhibition. It has been a good year for me. In addition, people can always see my latest work on my website jilltower.com, and my Instagram @jtower_jewelry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jilltower.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtower_jewelry
Image Credit:
Cole Rodger for all photos, except the Koi Fish and the Spruce Grouse (those 2 were taken by the artist)
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