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» Read about Jill's trip to Japan Being told not to bother in art class spurred me on to prove to myself that I could and would paint. After training as a florist I dabbled away in the background. Floristry gave me a deeper understanding of colours and how they make us feel. The big change came when I was asked to teach a silk painting class for a friend at Middlesbrough Council. I agreed... then panicked! I didn't need to, I enjoyed the teaching as much as anything I had ever done before. That was 15 years ago. I taught for many years until I had sufficient confidence to exhibit. It took a few attempts to get the right subjects and style. I'm now lucky enough to sell work on a regular basis; the hardest thing is finding the time to paint. I base my work on the Ukiyo-e period of Japanese arts. Many works are taken from these woodblocks. On looking at my work you might spot my fascination with umbrellas and snow. I feel that a picture can be full of detail while still having the feeling a space and tranquility. Jill Clay » Fellow Vintage Kimono artist Katie Chaplin | 
