Artist Spotlight: Jillian Burton
Jillian Burton is a painter and print maker based in Buffalo, New York. Her work focuses on the female form. She strives to celebrate the beautiful imperfections we all can relate to. She paints woman who are comfortable in their natural state, nude and unposed.
Jillian is currently working on a multi edition series of large acrylic paintings named “Nowhere else to be”, inspired by her personal experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Q&A With Jillian!
What is the biggest inspiration for your pieces?
Lately, I have been inspired by the simple moments when I feel most comfortable in my body. When I realize I am at peace- not worrying about my appearance, I think about where I am, what I am doing, who I am with.
What is your technique when creating?
By the time I start painting on my final canvas, 90% of my work is done. I spend a lot of time conceptualizing my paintings. I write a lot about the feelings and concepts I want to demonstrate on canvas. I feel like I am constantly taking photos and screenshots of seemingly random stuff, but I swear it all makes sense to me (ie color combos found in nature, a cat laying a certain way in a window, the corner of a room) . Also, I got an ipad pro with procreate a few years ago and it has revolutionized the way I can sketch up my ideas. Highly recommend it to all artists!
What is your favorite and least favorite part about professional art?
My favorite part is the connections I make with fellow artists and colleagues. When someone tells me that my work has positively affected them- there really are no words for how special that makes me feel.
My least favorite part is the pressure we can put on ourselves to produce. This pressure only becomes overwhelming when art is my only source of income. Being concerned about my livelihood can obviously take away the joy of creating, and I think it becomes obvious in the quality of the work I am creating. Creating to sell is a catch 22. So, I like to balance my art business with other revenue streams. To be honest, I am still trying to find a balance.
What is your go to work playlist?
Depends on the type of work I am creating. If i am working on a commission, I like oldies, folk, and classic rock. But, if I am painting my fun stuff for myself I will put on something upbeat that I can dance and sing to.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
Some of my all time fav artists are Duchamp, Kahlo, Matisse. And one contemporary artist I can think of off the top of my head would be Ekaterina Popova. Check her out!
If you hadn't been an artist what would you be?
I recently found a letter I wrote when I was 11 to my future self. I figured I would probably be teaching dance to old people... so probably that.
What is your dream project?
I have always wanted to paint a naked lady mural in Miami!
