BIO
Jill Hotchkiss was born in Hollywood, Florida. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Pratt Institute and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Florida. She has participated in artists residencies in Public Art at School of Visual Arts in New York and at Oolite Arts in Miami.
STATEMENT
Artist Jill Hotchkiss is mesmerized by nature’s patterns. Geological forces like wind, rain, gravity, and erosion create branch-like structures known as dendritic forms. These recurring patterns are echoed throughout the natural world; within architecture of trees, roots, fungal networks, coral, water tributaries, topography, lightning, and human/ animal vascular networks- all of which inspire her work. These interconnected forms represent the bond between all biological systems- Earth’s “ecological connective tissue” (Entangled Life, Sheldrake 2020).
Now exploring fungi and the critical role fungal networks play in the well being of our environment, Hotchkiss places the viewer underground at the level of an intricately weaved mycorrhizal network. The deeply intertwined roots and fungi, usually an invisible yet critical component of plant life, are uncovered/take center stage. More than an illustration of rooted ecosystems below the surface that flourish symbiotically in a shared network, Hotchkiss asks us to consider how these can be used as a model above ground, with people cohabitating sustainably with nature in our constructed environments.
In these large scroll forms, which themselves echo multi-cultural sacred relics and offerings, Hotchkiss artistically combines varied specimens (similar to those in a cabinet of curiosity), first in an underdrawing, and then in gold. The overall scale and use of this natural precious metal, which has both historical significance and ascribed societal value, combine to amplify the critical importance of the subject matter- nature’s preservation. The work questions, Must nature be gilded for its preservation?
- Holly Keris, Chief Curator, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens