TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY.
I was born and raised in Calgary & I live in the city with my husband and three boys (8, almost 5 and 3 1/2). Before kids, I taught grade 1. Other than art, I love being in the mountains or by the ocean, family bike rides, dogs, sparkly things, cotton candy & anything that smells like a beach holiday. I have an undergrad in art & art history, but I started painting for my own enjoyment about 5 years ago.
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?
Although I have an educational background in art, my creative obsession was sparked by the realization that making art was very effective for me at easing anxiety and giving me an outlet to process big emotions. I started painting in the middle of the night & found it had such a calming effect on me...my mind's constant worry and chatter shut off and I was fully immersed in those quiet moments. It felt like a sacred space, a meditation, a form of therapy. For me, making art is healing, soulful, musical, emotional, moving & now an essential part of my being! In the beginning, I didn't make art with the intention of selling it...the process was for me, but when people started wanting to buy what I made, that was the beginning of my business!
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT WITH YOUR BUSINESS?
My proudest moments with my work are when I realize that people actually like what I do, that my art resonates with them, or speaks to their soul. When I receive emails from collectors thanking me for making their home & life more joyful with my artwork, I feel so very grateful for the connection. I was recently featured in an online Avenue Magazine article by Kait Kucy, '5 Calgary Artists You Should Know' & this was one of my proudest moments for sure!
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED AND INSPIRED?
I try new things often, and put myself in situations where I'm given a deadline, so I am motivated to get things done. There is so much beauty around us, I am inspired easily & this is probably why I can't just stick to one style or subject. Most of the time I am motivated to keep working because I am passionate about creating, but there are times when I just don't feel it, so I recognize it and just take a break. You can't force genius, right?! ;)
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK-LIFE BALANCE?
This question made me laugh out loud! Most of the time, I don't feel like I am maintaining anything very well! I am not sure I am really striving for balance though...it isn't separate for me. I am a wife, mom, daughter, artist, friend, teacher, cook, cleaner, etc, etc...all the time....it's just life. Between returning emails, updating my website/social media, & actually making art, I constantly step on cheerios, warm up my coffee about 20 times a day, & try to negotiate with our children to do pretty much everything they need to without having a meltdown (that would be me trying to refrain from the meltdown). I've seen every single episode of Max & Ruby, more than once. Dry shampoo is my BFF. I work off my floor (once the cheerios are cleaned up). I usually try to paint at night, when the house is quiet, but sometimes I create with them. You wouldn't know it, but under some of my works, are the 'helping' brushstrokes of my babes. It makes me happy to be able to share something I love with my kids.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOM MOMENT?
Seeing my kids show compassion & kindness to others, unprompted by me, makes my heart very happy.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST PARENTING ADVICE?
Be honest with your kids. Say sorry when you lose it. Don't compare yourself to others. Do what works for your family. Go away without the kids and don't feel guilty about it. Stick to what you say, & be consistent with rules/consequences, even if they don't like you for it. Put your phone away. Read to them more. Believe that you are doing ok...they know they are so loved and that's what really matters....oh I just realized I am making a list of things I need to do better.
Note to self: take my own advice.
WHERE CAN YOU BE REACHED?
Website: www.jillpaddockart.com
Email: jillpaddock.art@gmail.com
Phone: 403.860.9137
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JillPaddock.Art
Instagram: @jillpaddock.art
