Jill Brooks received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Manitoba and her Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy from theUniversity of Western Ontario.

For many years she painted large-scale, light splashed domestic landscapes in oils. In 1995 she turned to watercolours, taking with her a love of strong, rich colour. Her enthusiasm for the garden as metaphor has informed her work throughout. More recently she is slicing her images into fragments of light and time. The process of deconstructing and reconstructing the image has become a source of fascination.

Jill's work has been exhibited several times at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and is represented in the collections of the Winnipeg Public Library and the provincial government.

Over the years, whether painting in oils or in watercolour, Jill has found herself returning to the intimate domestic landscape for her subject matter.  Her influences have included American painters Janet Fish and Harriet Shorr, as well as the Canadian high realist Mary Pratt. Within this theme she is attracted to both a representational depiction of three-dimensional space, together with one that is more imaginary or surreal.

Her landscapes are infused with light and colour. Light defines the forms, and colour offers infinite choice and mood.  The objects in the landscape—- flowers, fruit, containers, etc., are chosen as vehicles of light, form, colour and space.  Flowers have a particular attraction for her, as throughout their life cycle they assume postures which can mirror those of people, expressing the same characteristics of strength and fragility.

Occasionally a painting will contain an element of homage to a respected painter –- Matisse perhaps, or Botticelli - or a wry reference to a favourite food, as in her sushi series.

Some of her paintings contain detailed floral backgrounds, which allude to the black soil and floral combinations found in the domestic kitchen garden. In these paintings she acknowledges her regard for folk art and what is generally regarded as naïve painting. This type of work often resonates with her in a way that more sophisticated work does not. Perhaps it is simply the personal made universal.

The medium of watercolour has traditionally been associated with a somewhat understated palette.  However Jill gravitates towards stronger colour and an expressive approach.  In her pre-occupation with colour, as well as light, she is trying to capture a luminosity which is unique to the medium.

www.jillbrooks.net
jcbrooks@mts.net

Blue Muse, watercolour.

Degamora Orchid, watercolour.

Dreams of a Distant City, watercolour.

Evening Sushi, watercolour.

Still Life with Pears, watercolour.

Sushi Garden, watercolour.