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Artist Statement:
Jill Sluka creates work on various subject matters. She works on portraits to political issues in her work. Using mainly acrylic and print mediums. Occasionally she finds it necessary to create images using mixed media work because it may just work best in describing the story she wants to tell. Some of her most recent bodies of work include prints of domestic cats and a series of big wildcat paintings.
The artist visited many zoos for reference material for her wildcat paintings. During which she was inspired by many of the animals at the zoos and their interactions. She plans to create other bodies of works that include many of the animals. The newest editions to this series are Ring Tailed Lemurs.
In Jill Sluka’s paintings you will see that she creates something much more then just idealized representational work of figures and their environments. The application of paint is something that demands equivalent attention. The paint becomes about the medium being used, as you will also find in her monotypes. The application of paint or ink, layering and positioning of each brushstroke, and the simplification and abstraction of forms to create idealized representational figures in dynamic compositions keeps the viewers attention while viewing her finished creations.
Teaching Philosophy:
As a teacher, I create an environment where students can and want to learn the subject matter that I’m showing them. I create a comfortable learning environment that invites my students at all levels to ask questions and explore on their own. All students are individuals and I try to address all of their needs in supplying every student with individual critiques and assistance. I have had a diversity of students at all different levels and ages as well as those who know English as a second language. I work with them individually and in group settings to make sure they receive what the wanted to from my courses. I believe students learn from each other in the classroom environment. In order to ensure this I require attendance and classroom participation.
I also show my students other artists’ creations from historic to modern. I believe that the more you see the better you can be as an artist by learning from what is around you and growing from that experience. I give them the tools that it takes to be open and comfortable getting peer support and constructive criticism as they further their art journeys after they leave my courses.
I continue to work on graphic and fine art assignments as well as keeping myself updated on computer programs and taking courses from places like ABI in order to guarantee my students receive the best opportunities available.
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