Jill Hobson

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Painting empowers Jill to symbolically bridge vast distances and time to feel connected to her family and roots. Born and raised in New Zealand, Jill graduated with Honours in painting from Auckland University. She has enjoyed teaching roles and residencies in New Zealand and Canada. In addition to exhibiting and painting commissions, she is actively engaged in the Toronto art community; jurying, curating and installing Gallery exhibitions. Jill has paintings in international private, corporate and public collections, including hospitals, care facilities and community spaces.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

I like to think of people as vessels of connection. Influenced by Surrealism, I focus on genuine, supportive relationships and the goodwill that holds people together. I combine experienced moments and sensations with the imaginary, often reframing life’s journey to be hopeful and inclusive. Figures are abstracted to varying degrees, becoming a metaphor for the wider human condition. Boundaries are reduced, and figures merge with each other and, at times, their distinct environment. Experimental and intuitive, I combine metaphorical elements via mixed water-media and oil layers. I use symbolic colour, horizontality and connection processes like merge, share and equalize.