Jill Pottle
“I am engrossed and immersed in painting every day. It has been that way for me since early childhood. I have the drive, passion and never had enough time to put down all my ideas and musings. Through years of education and studying, I have honed my technical art skills but that is only the tip of the iceberg of really being an artist. It’s the dedication on the act of doing. I like to spend at least three hours or more per day on my work. But, alas, I’ve had 35 jobs since moving to Boston to help support my passion.
I moved to Boston from Syracuse University in 1977 with a group of wild and crazy artists. We moved here because it was a smaller city and it seemed friendlier than NYC. We were going to conquer the art scene. I remember the first month in a group house, thinking, oh I have got to get a job to pay my bills. Reality struck. Many unique jobs later, including bicycle messenger, sign painter, as well as a house painter, I landed on teaching. My goal was to become a professor but could not get into the market. I landed a job at the DeCordova Museum School and for 28 years I was a subcontractor. Teaching paid the bills, and gave me time and flexibility to paint.
I was married for 12 years, and after seven years of living in Cambridge we moved to the country for a more relaxed life style. Eventually, we were able to build me a home studio. I have two dogs, one cat, and eight chickens. I garden all summer long and practice playing the doumbek. I still find myself commuting into Boston often, it is where the art is.
My artwork ranges from retro objects painted with great intent. I enjoy capturing the beauty of ordinary things, as well as en plein air in the spring and summer. In addition, I’ve drawn and painted the figure my whole life and collage is a part of my daily practice. I always have at least two to three paintings or projects going at the same time.
I’ve had a variety of successful galleries all over including P-town and Lenox. Over the past few years, I have been at a crossroads of where to show my work next. That’s when I found Fountain Street Gallery. Great location, as I would love to have a studio downtown again. I have some good friends showing at the gallery, and the high quality of work can’t be beat! I was ready for a supportive coop gallery. This gallery has a nurturing environment with other artists helping each other get ahead.”