Jillian Dickson

Artist: Jillian Dickson (Ludwig)
Title: Cow II
Medium: Graphite, color pencil, gouache, and pastel on paper
Size: 18" X 30"
Date: 2011
About the Artist: "Originally from Darien Illinois, Jillian graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree in 2005 from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. She was awarded a full tuition scholarship to Clemson University in SC, and received her master's of fine arts degree in 2007. She has taught multiple art classes at the Art Institute of Austin, Texas State University, Baylor University, Clemson University, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Elon University. Jillian decided to move to Lyon, France for a year to build her studio practice. Along with making work in her tiny studio apartment, she traveled, mostly throughout western Europe, and ate every local pastry possible. She now lives in Grand Rapids Michigan where she maintains a vibrant studio practice."

Artist Statement/ Background: "The series Fam Farm reflects in a calm, gentle manner the loss of natural farming within westernized culture. Genetic modification, factory farming, as well as deceitful packaging and misguided labeling results in confusion and a disconnection between customer and the source of their food. Each drawing describes animals, which are regularly used by humans, to be wrapped in flowing pink ribbons and balloons. These synthetic pretty objects operate to suggest manipulative tactics within the packaging and labeling of food. Besides ribbons and balloons, the influence of humans behavior upon these animals can be seen through plucked and exposed areas of an animal, an overproduction or misuse of hair/wool, and the fistula (access into the stomach hole) of a cow.The short-lived and harsh existence of farmed animals is a sobering discussion. For that reason, the work is constructed in a non-threatening and often playful or humorous manner. The pastel colors, medium scale, and narrative appeal are tactics of gentle persuasion for the awareness of animal treatment and conscious abundance of human consumption."

About the Work, etc.: To me, Jillian's "Fam Farm" series is one of the greatest examples in exposing animal mistreatment in farming. It shows how factory farmed animals are treated as objects to create wealth instead of living creatures. At first, her work comes across simply as beautiful portraits of animals, until you follow the beautiful blossoming flowers or winding ribbons and your eyes suddenly reach an open hole in a cows stomach or the raw flesh of a chicken. The tired, run down looks on the animals faces add to the mood, giving you a glimpse into their lives. The pieces are subtle, yet once you take in all the detail, they become powerful reminders of the conditions of these animals.