Jillian Mazur, Painter & Owner of J. F. Mazur Studio
Name:
Jillian Mazur
Craft/Business:
Painter & Owner of J. F. Mazur Studio/Art School
Hobbies:
Painting, hiking, interior decorating, and my cat, Bleu!
Hometown:
Center Moriches, New York
Website:
jfmazurstudio.com
How did you get started working in your craft?
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t draw and make art. My mom tells stories of me at age three identifying as an artist. She’s not an artist herself, but I think she recognized a seriousness in the way I engaged with visual creativity at an early age. I’ve been fortunate to have her, and my extended family, encourage and support my artistic endeavors all my life.
What was your professional journey before working in this field?
I went to college for art and art education. I had odd jobs as a receptionist, house cleaner, and nanny throughout high school and college. It wasn’t until I got to the student teaching portion of my college education that I realized how normal and natural it felt to be in a classroom. Following college, I worked as a preschool teacher in an older 3’s classroom in a Nashville private school. It wasn’t an art teaching position, but it became clear that art was one of the best ways I could find to teach all aspects of the preschool curriculum. I found it was a great way to monitor comprehension and growth in children that young (pre-reading and writing). In retrospect, it was a pretty formative experience working with children the same age I was when I started showing the first signs of identifying as an artist.
What do your days typically look like?
My days typically involve juggling painting commissions, teaching a few classes and private lessons, and a bit of administrative work. I set my class and private lesson schedule and then work in painting commissions and basic administrative duties around that. I try to carve out time for plein air painting outside of this, and when I’m feeling inspired, I’ll stop to paint a still-life at home.
What makes your pieces special?
My paintings are me. My whole heart and everything I’m feeling at the time I’m painting goes into them. A still-life of a basket of fruit could be, for me, a conversation with my grandma. A portrait of a model could be a reflection of myself, and every once in a while a painting (the process or outcome) is something beyond me or the here and now.
What is your future vision for your business?
I’m comfortable with the boutique style of my art school; it’s small and special. I wouldn’t want to change that, but perhaps a larger space at some point would be nice... and a book or an art show of sorts to help share with a larger audience all the amazing artwork that comes out of these kids.
What's your favorite thing about your work?
Sometimes I’ll work on a landscape and it expresses much more than a pretty sky, mountain view, etc. Looking back on paintings from different times in my life, I feel the power of grief, love, hope/faith coming through the paintings more effectively than they ever would have if I had intended to portray these emotions from the beginning.
My favorite thing about teaching/running a school is spending time with my students. They make me laugh and overwhelm me with their sweetness and enthusiasm for all the little things and big things that the rest of us sometimes take for granted.
I had a four-year-old explain the Big Bang Theory to me in detail yesterday with wide eyes and hand motions. It was captivating. Then she whispered “and we are all stardust... you are too.” I get to learn about dinosaurs and scraped knees and their favorite trees and how they love with no reservation.
What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Myself. When it comes to painting, having confidence and telling myself “you got this” goes a long way.
In business, my biggest challenge is staying organized. I try to stay open to the natural ebb and flow of the classroom dynamics. This mindset usually helps classes run smoothly, but doesn't always translate well to the administrative side of things. Preparation for duties like monthly sales tax reports, etc. require more effort.
Who do you go to for professional advice, and what's the best advice they've given you?
The best professional advice I’ve received was also one of the best pieces of life advice I have gotten. I once had a family friend tell me that when making a big decision, it’s often the thing that makes the least sense (sounds the most ridiculous) that leads us to the thing we are supposed to do, or path we’re supposed to be on. It’s all about following your heart, he said.
What advice can you give to budding creatives and entrepreneurs in Santa Fe?
I’d say that if what you’d like to offer this community is truly you, from your heart, Santa Fe will accept it. It's impossible to have all of your ducks in a row, so don't wait to start creating or offering your talent and ideas. For me, it took getting the ball rolling first and figuring out the rest along the way. Also, trust that you can handle anything that comes your way.
When and why did you decide to move to Santa Fe?
I came to Santa Fe to study with Tony and Celeste Ryder in September 2015. They are two of the best artists and teachers I know working in the way I’d like to paint. They teach you how to see - give you the skills and then the space to tap into greater awareness.
It’s possible that the state of awareness that the learning environment cultivated is what allowed me to see opportunities for my school and personal growth here in Santa Fe. So I officially moved here in May 2016.
What makes Santa Fe special to you? What is your favorite thing about this place?
There’s spiritual hardiness to Santa Fe and deep history. It’s different than most cities. There’s a continuity to the way of living here that makes sense to me and open-mindedness in the options we have to manage our everyday life. You see it in all facets of the community; healthcare, education, architecture, how we work and play.
The mountains and sunsets and all the natural beauty that are in this city is another obvious reason I love living here. Being around natural beauty reminds me of the big picture and definitely puts things in perspective.
If you could change one thing about Santa Fe, what would it be?
I’m a fan of eclectic styles, but I would love to see more time spent on adobe-style structures for new construction wherever possible.
What are you passionate about outside of your craft?
I’ve made the things I love to do the most part of my craft. I love painting, nature, kids and my cat. I’m inspired by other art forms, so I spend time enjoying movies, music, and dance.
I also love making cozy spaces for myself. The aesthetics of the environment I’m in have always been important to me, so I spend my free time thinking of ways to make my studio, classroom and apartment more comfortable. This sometimes involves reupholstering a chair or building a shelf.
At the end of the day, why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because I see no other option. It’s who I am.