/Jill Watts
Jill Watts
Leaving Our Footprint On The Earth
Inspired by: Harvey Sadow, Fire and Flood/Sacred Sites Unknown artist, Yellow Amber Beads
cone 10 pottery, glazes, paint, permanent marker, earth tone pastel paper, natural decorative aggregate stones, board
36″ x 36″ x 6″
2022-2023
We have impacted the earth with our presence at least for 11,500 years (as per NOVA Ice Age footprints found in White Sands National Park) and continue to do so. Both pieces I used for inspiration are, to me, about multiple meanings. The bowl relates to earth, water, and fire elements as does the centerpiece of my work (also made of ceramics). The amber beads are used for healing, to ward off negative influences, and for decoration at least in Morocco. There are also multiple interpretations of footprints on the earth, some practical, some magical. I share some of what I discovered to encourage others to do the same. This piece is meant to be interactive.
jillwattsart.wordpress.com/
Jill Watts
Cutting Remarks
Glass, plastic, wood, collage, glue, polyurethane, brass nails, wire
12″ x 24″ x 14″
2022
A candid view inside the life of monastery women (the equivalent of nuns) in Bangkok, Thailand. It is acceptable to roam the halls of certain temples but definitely not to disturb those who are deep in prayer and worship. Inside is like a museum with roaming monks going about their business. There are many places to pray or donate, and statues, artwork and even a multitude of carp to feed on the river bed. In my experience, visiting temples has been a relaxing and interesting experience.
Jill Watts
Random Thoughts Escaping
raku clay, glazes, wood, metal rods, epoxy, polyurethane
9″ x 9″ x 8″
2019
As I have tried to meditate or practice Mindfulness, I have become acutely aware of thoughts tumbling over each other as they leave. My lack of ability to focus often astounds me. These thoughts swirl around me like birds circling. While I recognize them slightly sooner, I can still find myself engaged in following one for far longer than I would like. Creating a concrete image of what happens allows me to laugh at myself and my foibles.
jillwattsart.wordpress.com/
Jill Watts
Swinging Door
cone 10 ceramics, glaze, stain, wood, fiber, paper, epoxy, wood glue, Elmer’s Glue, wire, hinges, nails
12″ x 11″ x 8″
2024
This piece is based on Suzuki’s words in “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind”. When we inhale, the air comes into the inner world. When we exhale, the air goes out to the outer world. The inner world is limitless and the outer world is also limitless….Actually there is just one whole world. Our throat is like a swinging door….What we call “I” is just a swinging door which moves when we inhale and when we exhale.
jillwattsart.wordpress.com/
Jill Watts
Woke Up On The Wrong Side Of The Grass
cone 10 ceramics, stains, glazes, monofilament, fiber hat, glass head for base, photo images by anne mcnevin of artist in graveyard
H 10″ X D 12″ X W 10″
2022
A wise woman says repeatedly that, “It’s a good day if you wake up on the right side of the grass.” We know that one day, we will wake up on the wrong side of the grass. In some traditions, it is said that the dead do not realize they are deceased and wonder why they are not being included in their old life so food is set out for them and Lamas remind them that they have died and need to let go of their previous life, thus the artist wearing a portion of “ground” in the graveyard.
jillwattsart.wordpress.com/
Jill Watts
Raccoons
Inspired by: Paul Quain, Loading Cattle, Aran
collage, photographs, paper, ink, crayon, Yes paste on Ampersand board
14″ X 11″
2023
Loading Cattle, Aran, became something of a negative inspiration for my submission to this show. I realized I wanted to celebrate animals having a feast instead of being a feast. As a feeder of feral cats, I often end up hosting other animals who come to feast on cat food. A family of Raccoons discovered my porch and the cat door thus, at times, have gotten more than the cats.