Meet the Artist: Jillian Anderson from Art Dove
At Jade and May, we're passionate about surrounding ourselves with beautiful things made by thoughtful people. Alongside our collection of homewares and gifts, we're proud to showcase original artwork by independent Australian artists whose work brings warmth, colour and personality into everyday spaces.
In this edition of our Meet the Artist series, we're introducing Geelong artist Jillian Anderson, the creative behind Art Dove. Inspired by flowers, colour, pattern and a lifelong love of galleries, Jillian creates original artwork that celebrates the simple beauty found in everyday moments. Her expressive still life paintings are filled with light, joy and a deep appreciation for the Australian landscape, home and garden.
We sat down with Jillian to learn about her creative journey, the artists who inspire her, her favourite places around Geelong and the story behind the original artworks she creates.
What is your background and how does that influence your art?
I have been an English, Drama and Media teacher for over two decades but three years ago I changed jobs and finally allowed myself the time to pursue my passion for art.
I grew up with a creative mother who loved to draw but never had time.. 5 children, a household to run and her active partnership in our family business which was a Fabric shop where she taught sewing. Textiles surrounded me my whole life, meaning my world was full of colour and pattern and texture.
I completed Year 12 Art, but in ceramics, and during the year, a trip to the NGV from our tiny country town opened my eyes to the world of historic and contemporary art. It started a fire inside me.
From then on I have visited every gallery I came across that was open! My husband and I have an extensive collection of local Australian contemporary art which brings us so much pleasure. Our walls are heaving with loveliness!
What inspires your artwork?
I have been obsessed with other people’s art since I was 17, visited galleries all overtheworld, prioritising my travel to get to the Museums of Contemporary Art or the National Galleries of every Asian, American or European capital that we visited. The Impressionists, Post Impressionists, Le Nabi.. they are my inspiration! Pierre Bonnard, Cezanne, Monet, Van Gogh, Klimt, Suzanne Valadon. And Australians such as Margaret Preston, Margaret Olley and later Chris Canning! Especially
those who loved to paint flowers, which have become my obsession.
Contemporary artists such as Camilla Perkins, Flora Roberts, Charlotte Hardy, CJ Hendry and the Australian Still Life goddess Chris Canning all offer great learnings and inspiration.
Plus I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Barnett, Stacey McCall, Shelley McKenzie, Wanda Comrie, Phoebe Stone, Richard Claremont, Lana Dauberman, Charlotte Aldis and Fiona O’Byrne.. to name a few..!
I have been a keen quilter of vintage fabrics for years, experimenting with colour, texture and pattern in simple formations.
Around ten years ago, I began to long to be able to create art myself, beyond the sewing machine.
Years of practice, workshops, a Certificate 3 in Visual Arts and hours and hours of joyful painting in courses or at home and here I am.. painting every day with absolute pleasure and a feverish desire to learn.
When does inspiration strike?
My favourite time to paint is early afternoon, with hours of undisturbed time ahead of me. The light in my studio is perfectly filtered by the Birch tree in our yard by then, and my Burmese cat Bernard will be sleeping in the sun beside me. I am completely obsessed with still life and especially flowers. They have an infinite capacity to bring beauty to a space. There is so much variation in colour and form, some so strange they almost look alien, others so exquisitely delicate. I adore them.
My mother always loved flowers, and admiring even one single rose in her garden would delight her for days. When I paint them, I think of her joy and feel it too. If my paintings bring joy to others, I am so grateful for that, it is all I want. In a world often touched by pain, sorrow and suffering, art can bring light and relief. That is my wish for my art. It is not deeply conceptual, but the creation of it is a deeply heartfelt transference of joy.
And what do you do in your downtime?
Geelong has been my home for over 35 years. We have raised our daughters here in a lovely Californian Bungalow where my husband grows an abundance of flowers. It is heavenly!
We love to walk down to Pakington street and eat at The Bao Place, where the chef and owner Kyle greets us warmly by name.
Our daily local coffee comes from a quick walk to Bottles and Barrels or Geelong West Social Club. We love a good strong brew with lovely baristas who know the names of our kids and chat with us about their own families and lives.
Born and Bread is our favourite local bakery, and is a wonderful option after a beautiful walk around the river, but for-an extra treat Cake Smith or Love it Cakes always deliver amazing patisserie. Dining out is one of our favourite things to do with friends and family. We love the intimacy of Osteria Firenze or the delicious plates of French inspired food at Felix.
We are so fortunate that the waterfront is also an easy walk from home, and returning via Box Office Cafe for brunch is a great way to start the weekend.
Bringing Joy Through Original Australian Art
Jillian Anderson's story is one of following a lifelong creative pull. From growing up surrounded by textiles and colour to discovering the world's great galleries and eventually finding her own artistic voice, every step has shaped the vibrant floral paintings she creates today.
As a Geelong artist, Jillian draws inspiration from her home, her garden, local community and the flowers that fill her studio each day. Her work is a celebration of beauty, colour and the quiet moments that make a house feel like home. Every original artwork reflects her hope that art can bring comfort, joy and a sense of calm to those who live with it.
We're delighted to feature Jillian's original artwork at Jade and May and to support talented Australian artists whose work aligns so naturally with our love of thoughtful, handcrafted pieces. If you're looking for original artwork by a Geelong artist to brighten your home or searching for meaningful Australian art to treasure, we hope Jillian's collection inspires you as much as it inspires us
