Bio
A New Zealand-Canadian artist, Jill Hobson’s unique lens reflects both moving extensively - displacing her from family and country of origin, and previous neuro-psychology work that shed light on profound relationships. Painting empowers her to symbolically bridge time and distance to feel connected to her roots and her here-and-now milieu. Hobson graduated with Honours in painting from Auckland University and enjoyed diverse teaching roles and residencies. A highlight of her teaching career was establishing and directing an independent art school for ten years. In addition to exhibiting and painting commissions, she is actively engaged in her art community, jurying, curating and installing Gallery exhibitions. She has paintings in international private, corporate, and public collections, including hospitals, care facilities, and community spaces.
Artist Statement
Jill Hobson's paintings delve into human relationships, exploring what binds us together. Abstracted figures serve as metaphors for the human condition. She views people as vessels of connection and shares moments and sensations that range from fractured to hopeful and inclusive.
Boundaries are reduced, and permeable figures merge with each other and with their distinct environment. Hobson has a consistently experimental and intuitive approach, combining significant elements with a collage aesthetic. Paintings are created with layers of mixed water media and graphite using connection processes like join, share, and equalize. Symbolic relating colours parallel her theme. Horizontal marks suggest flux, growth, and life’s passage. Preferring an ambiguous narrative, she invites viewer completion.
