Jill Johnston, a multimedia artist and educator from Cando, ND, has forged a distinctive path, combining artistic exploration with a dedication to fostering community connections. Her journey began with summer art camps and school projects, where her passion for creativity took root. Initially drawn to photography, she found a profound connection to ceramics in college, captivated by its tactile and grounding nature. “Art has always been a way for me to process, reflect, and connect. It’s a powerful tool for communication without the barriers of language,” Jill said.
Growing up on a farm as an only child, Jill’s creativity was nurtured in the quiet spaces of her upbringing. With unwavering support from her parents, she embraced art through various outlets. “Growing up without an arts program in school taught me to make my own opportunities and to see art in everything from Homecoming posters to 4-H photography projects,” she said, reflecting on her resourcefulness and early drive to create.
Jill’s discovery of ceramics in college was a pivotal moment, steering her away from photography and toward the hands-on, grounding experience of working with clay. This shift laid the groundwork for her evolution into a multimedia artist devoted to both expression and community engagement.
Jill’s artistic style blends ceramics, photography, fiber art, and printmaking. Inspired by feminist art icons like Hannah Wilke and Anna Mendietta, she values art’s raw honesty while maintaining a sense of playfulness. Her mantra, “it’s just mud,” reflects her embrace of imperfection and her belief that mistakes are essential to growth.
Jill’s creative process takes two distinct forms: a structured, written approach where she plans her vision and the steps needed to achieve it, and a more spontaneous, intuitive method where the work develops organically.
Her art often explores themes like mental health, body image, and nostalgia, weaving personal experiences into universally relatable narratives. Jill’s multimedia approach combines ceramics with elements like illustration, photography, and fiber art, resulting in innovative, evolving works.
Since joining the Plains Art Museum as a teaching artist in December 2019, Jill has helped make art more accessible. She believes “Art doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be yours,” a philosophy that helps break down barriers and encourages creativity and confidence in individuals.
Balancing her role as an educator with her personal art practice, Jill aims to pursue larger sculptural projects while maintaining her mission of making art transformative and accessible. Her ultimate goal is to showcase her work globally, particularly at the international exhibition, Venice Biennale.
Jill’s journey demonstrates her resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the community. As both an artist and educator, she continues to inspire others by embracing growth and making art accessible to all. Her work and influence stand as a beacon for aspiring artists, illustrating the transformative power of creative expression and the impact of fostering connection through art.
