“Eclectic-Spective” is a retrospective art exhibition of Warnborough Program Director Dr Jill Kiefer’s work created over the past several years. The exhibit includes paintings geared toward adults and children — ranging from storybook animals to abstract multi-media objects. Works such as “Selfie” and “Double Vision” were specifically-designed with children in mind.
Jill’s art focuses on a variety of themes, but fantasy imagery with an emphasis on animals and hybrid creatures (such as “What’s New?”) as well as on homage works (“Head of a Boy”) are her favorite subjects. Her ideas and inspiration come from the realm of art history and her own imagination.
I believe in magic
“I believe in magic—and the animal kingdom. My art is meant to be whimsical and heartwarming—and to honor those artists that have preceded us. I am also fascinated by unusual materials, bits and pieces, and what I might do with them. One of my favorite pastimes is haunting hardware and commercial paint stores—to see what interesting products might be incorporated into my art. My works range from the representational to the abstract. I love both rustic appearances (“Wet and Wild”) and things that sparkle (“Some Pennies for Your Thoughts”)! I consider many of my works (such as “42”) to be designs, rather than paintings,” says Jill.
Jill’s two-dimensional works are completed in oil pigment sticks, as well as in mixed and alternative media. The foundations for her sculptures are developed in balsa foam, tin, plastics, and plaster. She often uses rusting agents and patinas in her art when going for an organic look and turns to gold leaf and metallic paints and dyes when she’s striving for a glow or an aura.
Opening reception
The Opening Reception for “Eclectic Spective” was held on 15 April and was well attended by colleagues, family, and friends of the artist. Mark Sarazen, the President of the Ossining Arts Council, attended the event along with well-known local artists such as Bonnie Talluto and Tom Wills, and Ossining Arts Council (OAC) Publicity Director, Elsa Rubenstein. Jill sold several pieces at the opening of the art exhibition, and her work is included in private collections around the globe.
Jill is an active member of the OAC. She leads the OAC ‘Art Speaks’ program, which is a series of presentations featuring local artists and placing them in the broader context of art history. She also oversees numerous gallery activities, which includes coordinating gallery talks for exhibiting artists, and developing special gallery evenings and events. Last year, one of Jill’s paintings (“After Midnight”) was selected to be the focus of a play written and performed by the Westchester Collaborative Theatre (WCT) – a multicultural, cooperative theater company located in Ossining, NY, dedicated to developing new work for the stage and bringing live theater to the community.
Canterbury Arts Conference
Jill will be coming to present at the Canterbury Arts Conference (CArtsCon) in July 2017, over which she presides. CArtsCon also showcases an arts exhibition each year. At the last arts conference, Jill gifted one of her pieces to the Lord Mayor of Canterbury.
Take the opportunity to meet Jill in person both at her art exhibition and at CArtsCon 2017.
