Jill Amundsen

Meet Jill Amundsen. She is an artist, and her pieces are currently at The Gallery of Modern Masters in Sedona and Modernique in Phoenix, Arizona. Her studies in London further amplified her love of the arts as she traveled throughout Europe, exploring the museums and galleries. After raising two beautiful children, she committed full time to her work.

 

Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?

A: I have always wanted to be an artist but I was constantly told you can’t be an artist because you can’t make money,  it is something you do as a hobby, not a career. So, I put it aside, got married, and had two beautiful children. When they were grown,  synchronicity led me to my art teacher who taught me the method that became my signature style.

Q: Where do you paint?

A: I have a studio at home with a gorgeous view of the red rocks. I find that nature inspires me. The only problem is that I get messy when I paint. My dream is to create a big studio where I can just go wild and not worry about the spills.

 

Q: How do you paint?

A: It’s a unique process. I attach the canvas to four posters and move it in a way where I can manipulate it and pour the paint on it. It almost looks like a watercolor, but it’s acrylic. I use a lot of layers of water and paint.

 

Q: I’ve seen your work, and it’s enormous. Do you do any small paintings?

A: I’m starting to do smaller paintings, but it’s challenging to do using my technique. I just like creating large paintings.

 

Q: If anyone wanted to see your work, where would they go?

A: I’m in the Gallery of Modern Masters in Hillside, Sedona, and I’m also in Phoenix at a place called Modernique. Or people can come to my home and see my work in progress.

 

Q: Is your work considered modern?

A: It’s very intuitive. I do Reiki, which is energy work. I direct the flow of energy into my art, hoping that the vibration and the colors will be healing. I have had excellent feedback from people who purchased my art and have picked up on the energy. I consider my work modern abstract, although sometimes faces and beings pop up into my work.

 

Q: How often do you paint?

A: Most artists say that you should paint every day, but I tend to break the rules. I like to be in a good space; I want to be happy and cheerful because my paintings are better if I am in a perfect space. If I am grumpy, it never works out.

 

Q: What is it about Sedona that resonates with you?

A: I think it’s the land. It’s what brought me here in the ’80s.. We are fortunate because we live in such a unique place and call it home. It sounds cliché. But it’s so true.

 

Q: Do you hike?

A: Every day except when it rains. I’m always out even if it’s in my neighborhood. Being outside in nature seems to ground me. I paint better because of it.

 

Q: When you have visitors in Sedona, where do you take them for lunch?

A:  Hudson has excellent food and great views. That’s one of my favorites. I also like the Pump House.

 

Q: How long have you lived or worked in Sedona?

A: About eight years, but I have been coming here since the ’80s.

 

Q: In Sedona, where would you recommend someone to go who loves art? 

A: My gallery is located in Hillside. There are several galleries in Hillside but you can visit all of the Sedona galleries in one evening during the Art Walk which is held on the first Friday of every month.

 

Q: You attended a few events at L’auberge, tell us about that.

A: Linda Goldenstein has artwork displayed at L’auberge. You can walk the grounds and see the works from all various artists, including sculptures. Every so often, she has an artist talk about their work in the restaurant. Guests can meet the artist, ask questions, and have lunch by the creek.

 

Q: Is that ongoing?

A: It is!

 

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?

A: I want to go back to Italy. I love everything about it – the architecture, paintings, and churches. You can see massive amounts of beautiful creations.

 

Q: What is your favorite movie, OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?

A: How to Marry a Millionaire. I love that!

 

Q: What advice would you give to people?

 

A: In creating art, don’t listen to any teachers. Follow your own rules, listen to your heart, and do what you want to do. I was told not to leave any white space and fill the entire canvas, but that’s not what I wanted to do. I leave white space on the canvas – it became my signature style. Never listen to any criticism because there’s a zillion people, and everybody has different tastes. What you’re bringing forth to the world is what you are supposed to do and never listen to criticism.

 

Q: What’s something on your bucket list?

A: I would travel more.

 

Q: Anything that I haven’t asked you that you’d like someone to know about you?

A: I’m an open book. I think it is essential to have a childlike perspective of the world and be open to things. There is not much hidden about me. What you see is what you get.

From the interview with Jonelle Klein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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