Art, Advocacy, and Healing: Jill Wells on Transforming Lives Through Creativity

In this enlightening episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Jill Wells, an artist, advocate, and pioneer in combining art with advocacy to create social change. Jill shares her journey from being a substance use counselor to embracing her true calling as a full-time artist and mentor. Discover how she leverages her unique blend of artistry and advocacy to address intersectional social issues, empower the youth, and promote art as a viable career path. Dive into an inspiring conversation that explores the profound connection between art, mental health, and community engagement, and how Jill's work is creating ripples of change across society.

Show Notes:

• [00:01] Introduction to the episode and guest, Jill Wells.
• [00:42] Jill's background: From Indianola, Iowa, to a classically trained artist.
• [01:32] Jill's impactful visit to Ireland and her work at the United Nations.
• [02:02] Transition from a substance use counselor to a full-time artist.
• [03:13] The shift to telehealth services during COVID and its impact.
• [04:26] Exploring the relationship between art, advocacy, and material selection.
• [07:50] How Jill's counseling experience influences her advocacy work.
• [08:44] Addressing intersectional social issues through art.
• [11:37] The story of microaggressions and finding identity.
• [16:13] The correlation between art and mental health.
• [20:21] Jill's Freedom of Expression project: Empowering artists with disabilities.
• [25:56] The importance of inclusivity in art and community.
• [29:57] The role of image descriptions and accessibility in digital art presentation.
• [34:55] Closing thoughts and where to find Jill Wells online.

Key Quotes:

• "I started looking at my mortality differently and assessing regret... I thought I will really regret not pursuing what I went to school for." - Jill Wells
• "Advocacy work actually comes from listening." - Jill Wells
• "Art does provide that [a safe space] for a lot of people." - Jill Wells

Resources:

• Jill Wells' Website: jillwellsart.com
• Instagram & Facebook: @JillWellsArt
• Visit Jill's Studio: Mainframe, fourth floor, 4-47