Life is hideous and beautiful, simultaneously.

I have been thinking a lot about my fine art direction for the past several months. I’ve been thinking about MY WHY, thinking about my focus and intention, and how we’re all connected. You’ve probably noticed more posts on my Jillian Webb Art instagram and facebook pages lately? Well, that’s because I want to share more about why I make art, why making art is a “need” for me, and what some of my thought process is along the way. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to look at abstract art with new eyes, or even make some art of your own. I even decided to rewrite my artist statement and apply for a grant that was due March 13th (fingers crossed). Believe it or not, I rewrote my artist statement before Covid 2019 hit the fan. I feel like It’s pretty relevant to the times and thought you might like to read it…

“focus on the light”
acrylic and graphite on cotton paper, 2020
12”x12”

My Art. My Statement. 2020.

Life is hideous and beautiful, simultaneously.

The harsh reality is that excruciating events exist in every corner of the world, on a variety of levels, every single day… and yet, life is still beautiful.

Growing up as an imperfect perfectionist hasn’t been easy, but it has helped me be empathetic when approaching the world. We are all shaped by the paradigms present during our formidable years. I’ve always wanted the best for others. I’ve wanted people to feel included, for everyone to be healthy and happy. Some call it “middle child syndrome” or “people pleasing.” For me, it’s always been a genuine desire for everyone to be well, for wanting the world to be a better place, for wanting to make a difference, for wanting everyone to know they’re loved… and to know that there is beauty within the rubble.

Through an abstract expressionistic approach, I embrace the imperfections and chaos that are felt along with the hopes and joys in everyday life. Over the years, my paintings have grown lighter in palette and metaphorically celebrate the beauty that shines through the struggle. 

Born and raised in North Carolina, USA, I earned my B.F.A. in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I became fascinated by the study of color, abstraction, and conceptual art. The works of Hans Hofmann, Edvard Munch, Mark Rothko, among others, have all greatly influenced me. From abstract landscapes to completely abstract mixed media paintings, my work is all inspired by the greats and the wealth of modern day abstract painters, too. 

It’s taken me fifteen years to truly understand why my heart resonates with abstraction and to let go of the need to please everyone. I find joy and feel at home within abstract expressionism. Period.

My art embraces the process, the imperfections, and creates harmony and beauty from the chaos. Using bold marks, painting to music, working through emotions with brush and palette knives, focusing on the process, I paint intuitively. I’m constantly making choices while I create, reacting to the colors and marks in front of me. Most often, I work in acrylic with underlying layers in charcoal and graphite. The charcoal and graphite frequently peek through the layers. When a piece comes together, the marks, texture, and colors act as key elements used to develop mood and movement creating balance and harmony out of the chaos.

I paint for myself, and for the people who need to find rest in the chaos, for those who need to see beauty and hope shining through the struggle. The world can be exhilarating, exhausting, excruciating, and joyful all at the same time, and I need my art to reflect this.

- Jillian Webb Herrmann

“shining through”
acrylic and charcoal on cotton canvas, 2020
24”x36”

If you made it this far, thank you so much for reading. As I pray each night for the world, I lift you and your loved ones up and hope you’ll see the beauty that shines through the struggle.