Meet JILLIAN BLAKE | Mixed Media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with JILLIAN BLAKE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JILLIAN, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
This question jumped right out as a large portion of my work embodies quotes, lyrics and poetry throughout the compositions. I am both inspired and connected to words of wisdom and continue to return to this form of media in my work. Some words are strung together so poignant and beautiful that it settles the soul. It’s within that connection between the words of one, read by another where I find my magic. And even though I reference many quotes in my paintings, the one I resonate the most with will not be found in any of my works, but rather as my philosophy of art.

“You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second and never forget it.” – Joan Miro

Every artists makes bad art. The masters included. If you do it long enough you can learn to make good art. But once in a while the artist can create something so deep it can not be forgotten. That is the meaning of art. The impact one creates for the viewer. Good, bad, or ugly, it’s always about connection, emotion, impression. That is what Joan Miro was talking about in his quote.

Whether you love a piece of art or hate it, the primary meaning is its’ impression left on you. The subjective nature of each piece is as unique and individual as the viewer. Thus connecting one soul to another. His words within this quote create a tangible understanding of my Why. Why do I create?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Working as a multi dimensional mixed media artist my work is rooted in meaningful connections. With a primary focus being painting, I draw inspiration not only from culture and controversy, but from my own experiences past and present. Each one of my pieces reflects deep, layered emotions of a complex and meaningful story. A story delicately spoken about and gracefully executed.

For as far back as I can remember I always loved art. I can’t quite pin point when it started, but whenever it was, I know I was always surrounded by the creative process and a love of the arts that both parents instilled within me. I pursued my love of art by attending art school. Upon graduation I planned a trip to New York City.

This trip will mark the beginning of a life altering experience that will plague my thought process for nearly 2 decades.

As a young 21 year girl and nearing the end of my trip I woke up to the morning of September 11th, 2001. My hotel stood directly across from the World Trade Center and my window faced the twin towers. I saw first hand in real time what everyone else would soon see play out on tv. As I stood there in that window watching the attacks unfold right in front me I knew I would never be able to unsee them. I was lost and alone in a world so far from home. Quickly I was ushered out of the building just as the first tower began to collapse. Those images never leave your brain. That feeling never leaves your psyche. Having survived, it charted my course for a unique understanding of what strength, perseverance and fragility means. I often find myself depicting that within many works.

Nearly a decade after that tragedy, I found myself at another tragic cross roads. Just three months after giving birth to my first son, both my mother Rita, and my father Kenny, passed away 13 days apart from one another. I felt lost and alone in the world again. I found myself battling the polarizing emotions of the miracle of birth and the gravity of death simultaneously. Deep, heavy emotions took a toll on me. Panic, anxiety, depression and detachment grabbed on tight and wouldn’t let go for many years. Through therapy, creating and mindfulness I began to understand that healing is not only a process, more importantly it’s a journey. There is no rush in the journey. There is no order to the process. It’s been with authenticity and acceptance that through my work I now understand the wisdom that comes from tragedy and grief. Life is a fragile dance of experiences waiting to be expressed. There is raw, real, uncensored emotion throughout my work. I believe in my ability to adapt and overcome what seems insurmountable at times. I believe in my art and the connection it makes. I believe healing evolves and for me that evolution is expressed through my art. That for as long as I have breath in my body I will create to feel a deeper connection to myself. It will be as necessary as the air. For me, art is my perfect blend of chaos, vulnerability, passion, and risk wrapped into a beautiful package ready to make its’ impression.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start off by grabbing brunch at Green Street cafe in the heart of the Coconut Grove. Take in the Art Deco architecture while people watching. Possibly catching a glimpse of a celebrity or two. Being a Miami native an absolute must do is Venetian pools. It’s one of Miami’s hidden treasures. Skip the beaches and all that sand and cool off in a natural spring under the Miami sun.

While in Miami you can’t skip the Cuban food at Versailles. Nothing beats authentic croquettes and Cuban coffee. After filling our bellies we would walk the gardens at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens. The most peaceful place in Miami. Not to mention the drive down old cutler road fills my artistic soul. Down the street from there, on the side of the road is a quaint outdoor market specializing in smoothies and juice. A fun pit stop to fuel yourself.

I would soon rather skip the beach all together but if one insists then Matheson Hammock Park has a beautiful quiet beach with a man made atoll pool free of scary marine life. With a beautiful backdrop of the Miami skyline the park has many photo opts. And while we’re there we will be dining at the Redfish Restaurant. Located right on the beach at Matheson Hammock Park, the atmosphere and food are both top notch.

We would round out the trip hitting up the art and the restaurants at The Wynwood Walls. Not only will be get our art and culture fix but our tastebuds will thank us. With so many restaurants, breweries, food trucks and bars we could spend a day/night hoping from one fun place to another. A real foodies dream.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey begins and ends with my partner, my best friend the love of my life. My husband, Jesse. His belief and support of my work is unwavering. Without his criticism and his praise I would stop evolving through my craft. It’s because of his honesty I’m able to find vulnerability and expression throughout my work. He is forever my muse.

Website: www.jillianblakefineart.com

Instagram: @jillianblakefineart