Up Close with Artist Jyll Ethier-Mullen
Monday, June 28, 2010
Jyll Ethier-Mullen is the painter–illustrator behind Sickfeet, a world of delightfully whimsical characters and imaginative landscapes. She also curates West Side Arts, a gallery that showcases the work of local artists and whose goal is to use the arts to promote social justice. Camilla Hawthorne caught up with Ethier-Mullen recently to chat about her work.
How did you get your start as an illustrator?
I was artistic from a young age, taking drawing class from age eight. I started taking painting classes when I was 13 from Don Primiano at Don's Art Shop in Warren, RI. I went to UMass Dartmouth for illustration and painting. My actual style didn't start developing until after I graduated. I was flipping through a Dr. Seuss book called the Foot Book and I came across “Sick Feet.” I drew my Sickfeet character and that's how it all started.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHow would you describe your style? What inspires you?
I think I'm a cross between a painter and an illustrator. Some people call it lowbrow art or urban art. It’s inspired by music, other artists, graffiti, street art, and patterns. Artists that have inspired me a great deal include Bjork, Tim Burton, Dr. Seuss, Jeff Soto, Edward Gorey, Barry Mcgee, Shepard Fairy, Blaine Fontana, Klimt, and Gama-Go. I like Juxtapoz magazine for the most part.
Tell us a little bit about your work with recycled objects…
I honestly never really did much recycled art until I entered a recycle show and felt compelled to step up to the challenge. So I looked through my art stash and started to create “monster” cigar boxes. I collect driftwood and started to slowly incorporate it into some of my work.
Can you give a brief history of West Side Arts?
West Side Arts was founded by Scott Axtmann of Renaissance Church, who wanted to contribute to the arts scene by serving artists and giving them more venues to show their art. They had open mic nights, art shows, and movie nights, and also participated in the RI Film Festival for a few years. My husband Travis and I started working with them on it about three years ago, and in the fall of 2008 we took on the space together at 745 Westminster. It was two churches basically sharing the rent, mainly to offer the space to the community as an art venue. We did the Recycle Show, Imago Fem, Less than Home, Local Love, and more in that first year, and got a great reception from the community. Since then we've been trying to develop it further.
How would you describe the mission of West Side Arts?
Our mission is to expose the city to local artists’ work, to inspire people to make art for social renewal, and to serve others locally and globally through the means of our art.
For more information about Jyll’s work, visit her website and blog. Her art can also be purchased online at her Etsy store. West Side Arts is located at 745 Westminster Street in Providence. Check out http://westsidearts.org/ for information about upcoming events and shows.
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