We recently connected with Jenny Fillius and have shared our conversation below.
Jenny , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
After years of working in various media, I became addicted to tin work and obsessed with tin. Lithographed sheet metal that comes in the form of candy., tea and coffee tins and vintage broken doll houses and windup toys. I took a two day basic workshop in 2007. and have been experimenting ever since. Figuring out new ways of using the tin excites me and makes my brain dance. My imagination has lead me on this extraordinary path that I hope to continue on for years to come.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I was born into a family of artists. Art was just something you did. I was miserable in school,I barely graduated high school and dropped out of art college.. Just show me the basics of any medium and leave me alone to experiment and make my own mistakes. Over the years I’ve illustrated drug store advertisements, had a greeting card business ( I failed at big time ) and sold my drawings, paintings and now tin pieces.. I have never been able to support myself with my art and never quit my day job.. My commitment to my art practice has allowed my work to be shown in art galleries and several times in an art museum, and recently in a national magazine
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
12 years ago I nearly died from anaphylaxis.Spent 11 days in the trauma ward. There was a possibility I’d be brain dead but I survived. My priorities changed drastically. I made a list of all the things I wanted to accomplish in my art career and I did.
I wanted to be in the newspaper, on TV., public art, national magazine, YouTube channel and show at an art museum. All these things were because I promoted myself at every turn. Instagram and Facebook didn’t exist then so I showed my work anywhere I could.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Affordable housing and art studios are a good start. Buy art, Show up at art openings at galleries and museums. Tell your rich friends about artists you know. Show off the art you’ve bought on IG and FB.( include the artist’s name). Help organize art shows in public spaces.
Invite your friends to join you on art walks. Talk about ART!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jennyfillius.com
- Instagram: jenny fillius
- Facebook: Jenny Fillius
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- Youtube: Jenny Fillius
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Image Credits
Daniel Fox
Jenny Fillius