Interview with Jill of Kiln Fired Art

Today's interview is with Jill of Kiln Fired Art. Jill is frankly amazing. Her skill as a painter is plain for all to see but on top of that she fuses, lampworks, works with ceramics and clay, precious metal clay and aluminium, copper and silver too!

How did you get started in art and crafts?

I have always made things, I grew up surrounded by creativity, my mother was a dressmaker. I suppose from an early age I just assumed it was what people did.





What would you like to do/learn/take up in the future to further your process?

Learning new techniques is a major part of the buzz for me, I'm always trying something new. I'd really love to try glass blowing one day.

How has your crafting and inspiration evolved over time?

The materials I work with are constantly evolving, I started in textiles, moved on to painting, then glass fusing and jewellery making. I'm never quite sure what will inspire me next, that's exciting.

What is your favourite ever piece of work?

My favourite piece of work is an overglaze painting called 'Wiltshire trees'. I'd tried for a long time to translate a watercolour technique into overglaze painting, then one day it happened.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere but there are some constants, I love textures, and nature, last week I was inspired by Roman jewellery and the Lewis chess men in the British museum.

Do you craft for your living or is it more of a hobby/passion/obsession?

It's certainly an obsession and a passion, I tend to reinvest my earnings into new tools and materials.

What is your greatest crafting success? And your most spectacular failure?

My greatest success has to be being awarded a City and Guilds bronze medal for excellence, which was presented to my by Prince Philip ant Buckingham Palace.

My greatest failures, I've had a few glassy disasters, one involving a huge bubble, and a meltdown when a glass of wine (or two) lead me to forget the kiln was on.

What other crafts do you dabble in/would you like to try?

I've tried many crafts, at the moment I paint on ceramics, fuse glass, work with clay and metals, and I'm learning lampwork. I don't think I have the space to do anything else. I would like to get back into watercolour one day.








Do you listen to music while you create? What is your favourite track?

Not often while I'm working, but I do to unwind, and I find something like Kings of Leon or Led Zepplin great to get into the mood for working.

Who is your favourite artists or designer?

The artist John G Blockley, I love his watercolours, and Turner.

When not creating/crafting what is your favourite thing to do?

I like walking in the countryside, taking time to notice nature.

Who would you choose to play you in the movie of your life?

That's a hard one, maybe Celia Imrie