Being born on the West Coast of New Zealand (Dobson, Greymouth) came with a sense of freedom.  Jil’s family consisted of 8 children, with her being the second youngest. They always had someone to hang out with, as the little town was full of mining families with children, and most of their time was spent outdoors exploring and using their imaginations. The little ones followed the big kids, and nothing seemed to be out of bounds. The children didn’t have toys bought, because 
a, the family didn’t have the money
b they didn’t need them, the outdoors was their toy store.

Jil’s art practice works the same way, whereas she explores ideas without limitations and is open to challenges that may present themselves. It all started with the love of paper/books;’ nothing goes to waste’  is her mantra.

When Jil first moved to Christchurch (in her late 30’s) after having lived in small towns, her mind was blown when she saw Billboard Posters plastered over fences and walls. Jil loved everything about them, and these became her source of materials for the initial Art pieces. Nowadays she combines paper with other materials, e.g., paint, pencil, markers, etc

Jil’s Resin work developed after the Christchurch Earthquakes; she found it healing to create something peaceful and beautiful with her own photos after being surrounded by the destruction and chaos. Today, Jil’s work is more playful and has a connection, not only to her surroundings but also to events and people.

“Telling my own story in my own way'“', Jil Cowan