BEHIND THE NAME

​Jilli Nel

 

Jilli was born in Scotland in the small village of Dunfermline, just north of Edinburgh. The close proximity of open countryside, medieval castles and a diverse cultural center instilled in her a creative essence and hunger to explore and discover.

 At a very young age, she found herself moving frequently around Scotland and England, never quite finding the belonging.She transformed her isolation and pain into a world of solace using her sharp eye and curious nature to forment a life-long relationship with nature.

Rather than scurrying around the school grounds and poor neighbourhoods, Jilli would quietly observe the symphony of colours and forms of nature and industry that are often overlooked.

Settling with her family in South Africa as a young teenager, her environment again changed dramatically. Her senses flooded with all the beauty that is Africa along with the heartache of a nation in turmoil.

This dichotomy of beauty and upheaval in the land was a mirror image of what was already within her. Her urge to reveal her creative inner self could no longer be contained.

 

Jilli had come of artistic age

 

Everything became a vehicle for her creativity. She found satisfaction in all forms of art; music, poetry, photography and of course, painting. This medium allowed her the freedom of expression she craved.

This was her language of expression, her vehicle of communication.As is the case with so many artists, the responsibilities of family and career took center stage, with her art relegated to the wings. Now, with a new life in America, Jilli is able to explore the depths and breadths of her creativity.

The language of her soul had begun and she invites you to join her in celebration ......