More Than Monoliths: Jill Wells

Jill Wells

Artist Talk

Thursday, May 27 at 7pm, via Zoom

Jill Wells

Iowa based artist Jill Wells is best known for her dynamic and colorful narrative paintings investigating race, history, stereotypes, accessibility and the human condition.

Born in 1980 in Des Moines, Iowa, Wells was raised in Indianola, Iowa. She studied at Drake University (BFA 2005). An award-winning painter, Wells has been in practice for more than 18 years, with public and private works in Iowa, Mississippi, Arizona and New Orleans.

Her artwork is represented in the permanent collections of: Disability Rights Iowa, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Blank Park Zoo, YMCA of Greater Des Moines, The Annette Nature Center, Polk County Jail (west wing) and Creative Visions Human Development Center.

In 2020, Lavender and Lime profiled Wells in an online published portrait manifesto series, Black Lives Matter Portrait Manifesto. Most recently, Wells was the recipient of the Iowa Creative Incubator Fellowship through Mainframe Studios.

Currently Jill Wells serves on the Board of Directors for The After School Arts Program and works as a full-time Artist.

 

Jill Wells Presentation

Recommended Reading & Viewing (with Cameron Gray)

Selected Artwork by Jill Wells

See prints of these selections in Ames Public Library's entryway during May 2021.

"Iron Sharpens Iron" by Jill Wells

Iron Sharpens Iron
Oil on canvas
Current location: Polk County Jail West Wing

"And the Spirit Lives On" by Jill Wells

The Spirit Lives On
Oil + Mixed Media Collage on canvas
Current location: Artist Studio
(Prints available upon request)

MTM Penny Saved Penny Earned

"Penny Saved, Penny Earned | E Pluribus Unum" by Jill Wells

Penny Saved, Penny Earned | E Pluribus Unum
Oil + Mixed Media on canvas
Current location: Artist Studio
(Prints available upon request)

"A Warm Place" by Jill Wells

A Warm Place
Oil on canvas
Current location: Private collector

"Birds of a Feather" by Jill Wells

Birds of a Feather
Oil + Mixed Media Collage on canvas
Current location: Artist Studio

"What Will We Overcome" by Jill Wells

What Will We Overcome
Oil + Mixed Media Collage on canvas
Current location: Artist Studio
(Prints available upon request)

"Be the Change" by Jill Wells

Be The Change | Disability Rights Iowa Mural
Oil on interior wall + paper interactive tactile rendition of mural
Current location: 666 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
(Prints available upon request)

"Stand Tall" by Jill Wells

Stand Tall
Oil on canvas
Current location: Artist Studio

"Arms of an Angel" by Jill Wells

Arms of an Angel
Oil on canvas
Current location: Artist private collection