Telling stories of pop culture nostalgia through my paint on a canvas.
With over 20 years of experience as a graphic designer, I created the "Broken Series" to challenge the resilience of iconic logos and symbols in pop culture. The question that drives this work: Can they still be recognized when broken apart and transformed into art?
Blending technology with the raw texture of a palette knife, my process brings vibrancy and depth to every piece, turning familiar logos into striking visual statements.
These works serve as more than just a commentary on branding. They're a reminder of the times when employers would say, "Hurry up... don’t be too creative... it’s just a logo." Every logo, every icon, begins as a creative concept, infused with meaning before it ever reaches the consumer. My art reclaims that narrative, turning logos into thought-provoking pieces that connect us to the memories of marketing's influence on our youth.
Each piece in the "Broken Series" is designed to evoke nostalgia while making a bold statement—perfect for any home or office setting.
Why “Speaker Jill”?
My journey began with years of competitive speaking in Toastmasters, where I honed my skills and won numerous awards. I envisioned expanding into public speaking to share the stories of my life’s journey. Then COVID-19 arrived, forcing me - like so many others - to pause those plans.
By that time, I had already branded my social media as "Speaker Jill," and as I turned my focus back to art during the pandemic, I kept the name to stay connected with my followers. Over time, my handle evolved into my brand, a symbol of both my art, my writing and my storytelling.
While art has taken center stage, the dream of public speaking is still very much alive, and "Speaker Jill" continues to embody all the ways I communicate and connect with the world - it embodies my passion for expression. Whether through a paintbrush, a pen or a microphone, I’m still telling stories, and I continue to pursue public speaking, finish my book while creating art that resonates with meaning.
Learn more about me as a Public Speaker here.
Download Artist Statement and Bio here.
CV available here.
My art on the billboard in Times Square - April 2024
Artist Statement
For years, my creativity was limited to simple doodles until, at 26, I finally earned my art degree and began chasing my dream of working in the world of art. Although I had developed a love for watercolor during school, my path led me to advertising—an unexpected passion sparked by a childhood memory of watching Bewitched. That moment of inspiration shaped my future, igniting a fire that still burns today.
The idea for my “Broken Series” came from a desire to test the resilience of iconic logos and symbols. Could they still be recognizable if fractured and transformed into art? This exploration became a way to merge my past as a graphic designer with a deeply personal artistic journey.
After my breast cancer diagnosis, I realized how much I craved art that fed my soul—art that allowed me to connect my memories to the canvas. I began channeling decades of experience into something meaningful, developing a process that combines technology with the tactile expression of palette knife work, infusing each piece with vibrancy and texture.
Over time, I recognized that breaking apart these logos and icons symbolized more than just a challenge to their marketing power. They also represented my own sense of brokenness as both a woman and an artist, reflecting the emotions and memories hidden beneath the bright colors.
My work is meant to evoke nostalgia and remind us of the profound impact pop culture and advertising have on our collective memory. Each piece tells a story, making a bold statement that resonates globally. These artworks are more than just visual pieces—they’re conversation starters, perfect for any home or office.