About the artist

Hi, I’m Jamilla.

I’m an abstract painter living in the beautiful desert of New Mexico, respectfully residing on ancient land of the Puebloan people.

My passion is painting, and you could say it’s in my blood. I come from a long line of creative Italian women on my paternal side. On my maternal side, my youth was spent with my grandmother who filled her days doing “ handiwork,” as she liked to call it. She taught me how to make baskets from sweet grass, how to hook rugs, do needlepoint, and make lace and braid rugs from scraps of fabric. Her hands were always busy, like mine.

I hold my family members and ancestors close to my heart as I start each day in my studio in meditation, channeling their deep wells of wisdom, and thanking them for the life they have bestowed on me. In turn, this transmission of creativity is carried on by my two daughters, who are living authentic, creative lives.

I often think of women who for centuries were not able to fully express their artistic soul, yet found ways to give form to their creative spirit in their everyday existence.

I dedicate my art site to Eleanor, my 92 year old family member who is an amazing painter and my inspiration.

Thank you, the viewer, for visiting my site and witnessing this moment on my artist’s path. Your presence here is truly humbling.