Jill Trappler

Painter

Jill has worked as an artist and craftsperson in various projects over the past forty years. These include Thupelo, Greatmore Street (she is a founder member of both) and Bag Factory studios. Jill served on the Board of the AVA gallery and the NAC. She established the Philani weaving project and the Intle cooperative project in Site B and Philippi. The art studio initiative at Valkenberg grew out of workshops coordinated at the hospital.

The Orange art project is currently Jill’s preoccupation. She has worked as an unqualified OT at Baragwanath (1976/77) and at Groote Schuur OT department as a part-time lecturer. She lectures at UCT summer school and teaches open, drop-in session and weekend workshops. She exhibits regularly in group shows nationally and abroad. Her solo exhibitions are numerous and continue to be a priority in her practice.

Jill believes the combination of project work, teaching and personal practice has a significant impact. ‘Interactive, exchanging skills and ideas with people from various backgrounds and experiences plus daily involvement in making art/craft, push the levels of creative lifestyle, education and skills sharing.’