/Jill Watts
Jill Watts
Plans Going Awry Over Time
cone 10 dark clay, glaze
9 1/4″ x 4″ x 3 1/2″
2020
In this piece, I hoped to show the gradual changes and dissolution of everything over time. The negative space in a cactus skeleton, the holes made by woodpeckers in a dead tree to store acorns, or even our bodies listing one way or another over time. The changes themselves create their own beauty.
jillwattsart.wordpress.com
Jump
mixed media: photomontage, collage, found materials, crayon, Yes paste, Ampersand claybord
9 ” x 12 “
2021
At every party and on multiple other occasions, this family arranges a children’s play area where multiple ages and sizes can play safely together (at 1 point, even including their dog).
Birthday Party 2 B
mixed media: photomontage, crayon, collage, Yes paste, Ampersand claybord
16″ x 20″
2022
Whenever I have photographed people, I have given them a copy of the images when possible. Over time, some have requested that I photograph them and/or posed for the camera. The ultimate in trust was when this woman requested that I photograph her wedding that was to take place in their yard in 2 weeks. I gratefully accepted although I would be shooting images in their yard.
Wedding 1
mixed media: photomontage, crayon, Yes paste, Ampersand claybord
10″ x 10″
2022
The vows.
Wedding 2
mixed media: photomontage, crayon, Yes paste, ampersand claybord
16″ x 20″
2022
The youngest members of the wedding party were treated with understanding and compassion. The smallest was allowed to wear a roll of duct tape around her wrist instead of carrying her flowers preferring the former and wear her sweatshirt when cold.
Wedding 3
mixed media: photomontage, single use plastic, cloth, crayon, Elmer’s glue, Yes paste, Ampersand claybord
16″ x 20″
2022
I was interested in creating a color atmosphere that would allow the textures of the “castle” to be accented and was lucky enough to find the material to recycle.
Party with Silly String
mixed media: photomontage, crayon, Yes paste, Ampersand claybord
8″ x 10″
2021
Team Celebrates the 4th
mixed media: photomontage, crayon, collage, Yes paste, Ampersand claybord
11″ x 14″
2021
I Am Not A Robot
mixed media: photomontage, crayon, Yes paste, Ampersand claybord
16″ x 20″
2021
I was struck with the fact that the owner of the house next to mine blended into the machinery he was using while fixing areas of the exterior of the building.
Pig Roast
mixed media: photomontage, crayon, Yes paste, Ampersand claybord
8″ X 10″
2021
I was amazed that my neighbors could arrange everything for a pig roast in an area that was 1/2 the size of my living room, have a party, and have everything returned to the way it was by morning.
Roofers
mixed media: photomontage, crayon, tracing paper, Yes paste, Ampersand claybord
11″ x 14″
2022
Whenever I view the finished building, I somehow envision the ghosts of the roofers whose work made it possible still present.
Birthday Party
mixed media: crayon, photomontage, Yes paste, on Ampersand claybord
11″ x 14″
2022
An enormous family gathering to celebrate the 2 year old’s birthday which included his 12 children and multiple relatives from different generations. The older children and dog know how to celebrate, their movements being the most exciting aspect of the scene. The birthday girl simply looks on seemingly not knowing what to make of the action. The family has since moved.
Thinking, Planning
mixed media: crayon, photomontage, tracing paper, Yes paste, Ampersand claybord
8″ x 10″
2022
This woman comes by at regular intervals to collect cans (no glass although recyclable; she knows her limitations) and has no trouble walking straight enough to naturally carry what she collects on her head despite her age.
The Game
mixed media: crayon, photomontage, tracing paper, Yes paste, Ampersand claybord
9″ x 12″
2021
Life goes on outside in my neighborhood more than in some others. We know each others’ comings and goings and even some habits. Although strangers from various disparate locations, I like to think we learn from and respect each other. I feel far more connected here than in the suburban neighborhood where I lived for a time.
On the Phone
mixed media: crayon, photomontage, tracing paper, Yes paste, Ampersand claybord
8″ x 10″
2022
Those younger than I seem to have a peculiar preoccupation with phones often ignoring what is happening in front of them.
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.