Jillian Dixon

Interview by Elly Dawson and Doris Abdolian, Transcribed by Doris Abdolian

Grade

11

Mediums

Metal Arts

Classes Taken at Harriton

Metals 1, Metals 2, Metals 3H, Metals 4H

Self Introduction

As a person in general, I like to push myself and my work to the limit. Experimenting with resources and my surroundings is my favorite thing to do because it can always lead to something extraordinarily interesting and beautiful. I make art from things I admire or if I have something to say, so there's always meaning to my art.

Interview

Art Focused Questions:

What's your favorite medium to create with?

All of my work in school has been with metal, and I really enjoy working with it because there are so many different techniques and characteristics of metal that can create really beautiful art.

Are there any media you find yourself experimenting with more than others?

In middle school I ripped up magazines to make a collage, but instead of using actual images, I used colors and words. It can also be fun working with metals and the outcome can be really cool. 

What was it like working with metal?

Soldering and filing can be hard. My favorite part is working with the torch. It’s really fun; it can be frustrating at times. I think the outcomes are really cool and you can experiment with a lot of different stuff.

What do you find frustrating about it?

Soldering and filing is pretty hard because the different levels of metals you can solder is annoying to work around and filing just takes forever. 

Because many people are less acquainted with metals, is there any specific style of metals that you gravitate towards? 

There aren't really different styles, it's kind of what the artist wants to do based on the prompt. It's really creative and free; you don't have to conform to one style or another.

What about a favorite tool to work with? Or a favorite thing to make in particular? 

I think everybody can agree working with the blowtorch is just fun to work with the fire and heat up metals and everything like that. I don't really know, I think domes are really cool because they add a lot of volume and different textures.

What other art styles are you interested in? 

I also enjoy mixed medias of arts such as collage arts because I really like the idea of taking different types or aspects of other art pieces and bringing them together to create something new.

Who are your favorite visual artists? Why?

Of metal, not really, but of music my favorite bands are Peach Pit and Cage the Elephant. I don't have a favorite artist because there is so much art and artists to choose from. 

From where do you derive inspiration? How does that affect your artwork?

I get a lot of inspiration from simply observing the world. My art will include aspects from nature, family, friends, movies, books, etc. all from me just being present in these situations. 

Is there inspiration that is more dominant than the other? 

Probably nature, just because there are a lot of different textures and ideas that  can go a lot of different ways, like making leaves, vines, trees and anything outside can be conveyed really well with metals. It's really nice, it's all around us, it's just a really cool way to convey a message to a lot of people because everybody can relate to it. 

Favorite Quote or idea from something/someone who inspires you?

Not really, I go on Pinterest for references. I also use things I see in the media for inspiration. 

What is your sustained investigation or thematic exploration? 

I enjoy including types of nature in my projects because I think that it is conveyed fairly well with metal and you can shape interesting and intricate designs with it.

You often mentioned nature, how did this come about and make its way into your work?

I think nature is nice, it’s all around us, we see it everyday. It’s a cool way to convey a message because everyone can relate to it. 

How do you see yourself through your art? Do you see yourself? 

I guess in some cases, I mean every artist does that with their own styles, I have a lot of classmates where you can tell their stylistic choices.

How do you plan to continue your art and incorporate it into your life in the future?

I would love to continue in any form of art in the future because it brings me joy in my everyday life, so I’ll do all that I can to continue.

What advice do you have for students who want to be involved artistically, but are unsure if they can fit it into their schedules in and out of  school?

Do it. Push boundaries, make mistakes, have fun. Art is meant for everyone so it won’t hurt to make some for the world.

Less Art Focused Questions:

What’s your taste in music and/or what do you listen to while you’re creating?

I listen to music every class, I prefer it over silence. I can listen to something I enjoy while I do something I like. Having music as background is nice. My favorite bands are Peach Pit and Cage the Elephant, they’re really good; love them. I like going to concerts, I like seeing them live. 

Does music influence your work or ideas?

Yeah sometimes. It definitely affects my efficiency. When listening to sadder songs it might take me a long time to do that work because I'm not really in the mood to rush. There is not really a song that goes with anything specific, I listen to a lot of different playlists. 

What are the clubs or electives you participate in/take at Harriton?

I am in NAHS and NHS and the Unity mural design. 

How is that? Can you elaborate on it? How is it working with other artists? And as a metal artist?

It can be a little stressful, but I think that it's fun. I enjoy the group that I work with, and the ideas that we’re coming up with.

Is there a way to include metal in murals?

When people think of 3D structures, like jewelry, a lot of artists layer metals on top of each other and marry them into 2D images, like cutouts. I think a metal mural can be really cool and it is something that has been done before. 

Favorite place in the Philadelphia area or Nature?

My extended family owns a lake house that is nice when all of us go out on the lake and have a fun time going around in nature and playing in the water; water skiing. 

If you could have one wish granted by a magical being, what would it be and why?

Wish I wasn’t gluten free, I miss bread.

Speed Round:

What is your favorite food?

Gluten free bagels

Favorite drink/coffee/tea?

Coffee

Favorite restaurant/ dining location/fast food chain?

Dan Dan

Favorite Pizza or ice-cream/frozen yogurt Topping?

Hot fudge

Favorite Animal?

Whale sharks 

Favorite Song?

Give Up Baby Go by Peach Pit

Favorite Color?

Green

Favorite Movie? Animated Movie?

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Hobby?

Crochet

Favorite Book?

A Certain Hunger