Interview with Feature Artist Jill Makowski

This Month’s Feature artist is Jill Makowski whose pieces are on display for February.

In an interview with us, Jill talks about the role of poetry in inspiring her work, advice to artists, what she’s learned in preparing for her opening, and more!

Jill will be having an opening on Thursday, February 1st from 6-8pm.

In your artist bio, you state that art helps you to balance a "40+ work week of math and science." Phew! What's your job and do you see it having an influence on your artwork? If so, in what ways? 

I am a clinical pharmacy specialist in Infectious Disease and Antimicrobial Stewardship… it’s a mouthful but needless to say the pandemic has been chaotic… My art is a wonderful escape and though I have been doing mixed media for almost 25 years — it has been a saving grace over the past 3.

You note that there is original poetry on the backs of some of your pieces. Do you have a favorite poem or poet? If so or if not, who are your most significant creative influences?

I really like poetry that makes you think and imagine the meanings — like E.E. Cummings or the beautiful imagery of nature in Walt Whitman — two very far apart to compare! Any poems included are usually Haiku and related to the inspiration of my feelings from the work.

If there is one thing you'd like an audience to take away when viewing your work, what is it and why?

I hope everyone finds it interesting and uplifting. There is enough rawness and sorrow in the world, and I am trying to provide an escape from that. Hopefully people find a whimsy and a lightness that my work brings. 

What has helped you in your artistic career and do you have any advice for artists who are just starting to put their work out there? 

Showing your work to others takes bravery and strength — it is hard to open up a part of yourself to criticism and it’s the great unknown, right?! The only way to grow is with a little bit of fear and getting out of your comfort zone…. I think that principle goes for most experiences in life. If you only participate in activities you are familiar with and have mastered, how do you meet anyone new and expand your mind? 

How did you first learn about The Collaborative and what have you learned in the process of preparing for your opening?

I was fortunate enough to wander into The Collaborative with friends a little over a year ago. I was just getting to the place in my art where I was ready to take the plunge and get out there, and I picked up your QR code and submitted my work ….  Admittedly, I did not tell anyone I had contacted The Collaborative until I received some feedback. The team, especially Sandy, has been very supportive from helping to understand Google Docs and the process to sending helpful tips in photographs of my Art. There’s a great culture in the art community here and I am so grateful to be included.