Today we feature a wonderful wire worker or wire weaver or ummm maybe a wire wizard?
Jill, of Twisted Sister Arts, transforms wire into fantastical designs that are elegant, inspiring, and sometimes, well, a little creepy. No matter which direction her muse takes her, the designs are ALWAYS interesting with so much movement that my eye never gets tired of looking.
In my office. Actually in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, Naperville, Illinois
It’s the larger of two extra bedrooms in the condo I live in. I’m blessed with the space, and I use the room entirely for me. Selfish, yes, mine, yes. I love it there. I’ve got all the mess I want, with a large two level glass and wood desk/workbench. I’ve got a paper file cabinet with a antique typesetters chest on top with a thousand little compartments to put all my little beads, stones and supplies in. There are 12 drawers with compartments, it’s a fabulous find. I have my photography area set up on one wall, and my favorite chair and ottoman to snuggle in. Sometimes my husband, to see me, will come sit there.
Long story made short… I was selling hand dyed scarves and I needed scarf rings. I used aluminum wire, and copper core wire to start with, then switched to finer and finer wire, until I settled for 2 years with parawire. A year ago, a customer came into my store and bought 24 pieces, which gave me a foundation to believe in myself and the finances to buy sterling silver and the tools that I needed. She came back this week and bought another 12 pieces.
Disobey my parents. I love working with my hands, I love creating. I was told that I couldn’t make a living at it, that my art was not worthy of my attention. (Ha Ha, so there!)
One word…organic. Furthermore, steampunk, art neuveau, twisted, rosettian, roccoco. The busier, the better. It’s very hard for me to keep it simple.
What’s that? I don’t have period of creative block. I have an over abundance of ideas, so I write them in an “idea book” that I keep in my purse so that I can jot them down.
Set goals. The reason I say that, there was a time in my life I wanted to (do) great things, but had no idea how to get there. If you set goals, no matter how small, you’ll get there a whole lot faster than if you don’t.
Set goals, see above. Break it down into a daily routine that you can manage. Baby Steps.
Not restricted to wire…or jewelry…Pink Martini. I listen to them while I work.
Jewelry…Mary Lee Hu. Linda Chandler.
I have a dear husband that has taken that responsibility from my shoulders. He also takes care of the house, and fixes dinner nightly. There was a time in my youth, when I had a top 500 floral shop chain, that my late husband and I worked together and I did my share of numbers and taxes. It’s much nicer on this side of the fence.
My day job is a green and blooming plant buyer for a top 10 floral shop chain. I import plants from Canada, local growers and Florida for 8 retail locations. I love doing it, but the hours are long and the holidays are murder.
I like ABBA. Whoohooo!
Success to me is the freedom to create what I want, when I want, to please myself creatively, without worry of selling it for money, or to sell my soul.
See above…I really wish to quit my day job, and be able to support myself and my household with health insurance and an IRA
http://www.etsy.com/shop/twistedsisterarts
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Want to suggest an artist for us to SPOTLIGHT! Or if you want to be a SPOTLIGHT! artist yourself…..
Use the contact us tab at the top of the page!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
See previous SPOTLIGHT! interviews: SPOTLIGHT! archive
Thanks for sharing Jill!! I love your work – all the best to you!
Jill’s work always amazes me! Great interview. It was interesting learning more about the woman behind the creations.
Jill is an amazing artist. What good fortune to have a never- ending supply of ideas. An inspiration!
Love the interview and love Jill’s work!
Great interview! Jill’s work is Amazing. The is natural artistry in everything she does. She is amazing. I am proud to own a piece of her jewelry. I wish her the best of everything and great success.
Awesome work Jill. You clearly have great talent and skill with wire and design. Wonderful interview, thanks for sharing.
Wow, Jill, your work is wonderful and inspiring! And I loved your interview.
Set goals, eh? Baby steps, huh?
Hmmmm. I can do that….
Yes Lisa, you can make baby steps and set goals. It was the hardest thing for me to do when I was 30. I come from an abusive background and I had the most loving and kind mentor, he taught me to set goals. He passed away last year, but I’ll always be grateful for his push.