Featured Artist | September 2025
Jacqueline Muller
© Jacqueline Muller
Tell us about your practice as a maker.
© Jacqueline Muller
It was on a spring day in 1964 when I decided to never again put pencil to paper in an attempt to draw. “Well, look at this,” my art teacher said laughing, as he showed my still life drawing to the whole class of 13-year-olds. I was mortified.Never say never, the saying goes. In the 1990’s I registered for a series of art classes with Laurie Doctor. With her guidance and encouragement I embarked on a new journey where I discovered that creativity came in a variety of expressions. I left behind the experience of that still life and shaming teacher.I remember Laurie sharing Paul Klee's quote "Not a Day without a Line" and I have tried to live into this motto. I walk down a stone pathway to my studio at the outer edge of my garden. I enjoy this transition leaving behind phone calls, computer, house duties, work, and engaging with seasonal vegetation and wildlife before entering what I consider to be my sanctuary. Papers, pencils, pens, ink, brushes, improvised writing tools, watercolors, and gouaches call me at different times. Whether twenty minutes or two hours spent in my studio, I find such depth and peace of mind as I fadoodle and fadaddle away (as I describe it) at my table. Music accompanies me. I may begin by writing or moving to rhythms. Slowing down, listening to my breathing, I settle into what is alive in me in the moment. I then put pencil to paper and begin writing, drawing, coloring and maybe even
singing.
© Jacqueline Muller
© Jacqueline Muller
Where do you thrive? Where do you struggle?
I dive into the inspiration of the day as I experience it and see what happens. I never quite know what will come forth, I make messes, try different materials, have occasional insights and trust the inner movement that wants to express itself. I treasure the stillness of not knowing, the inward listening and guidance, the deeper sense of timelessness and inner connection that can happen; an inner journey that supports me in processing and expressing the aliveness of being. And then there are those days when I wonder what the hell am I doing and will take a big brush and sumi ink to my paper and see what happens then.Who/what influences you?
Nature inspires me, particularly in the winter when all seems bare and stark. I walk down the dirt alleys and venture on the foothill trails harvesting and enjoying the essential qualities of seed pods and dry plants. I also am inspired by a phrase, a drawing or a painting that I will start copying and then often make mine. I experiment. I deeply appreciate and want to acknowledge the support I have received throughout the years in developing my own style of art. I have recently been attending Laurie’s workshops in Taos since 2023 and each time I feel energized and inspired to engage and be adventurous in my creations. Another artist friend, Laura Marshall, has inspired me to explore and observe the details of texture in my nature drawings. As I slow down and feel the exchange between the inner movement and what is unfolding on paper a deep communion arises. This artistic and creative practice has nurtured my spiritual journey and connects me to a deeper/wider living into my experience and surroundings. When I settle into creating artwork time vanishes and a sense of belonging and interdependence arise.What is one intention you have for your practice this year?
This year I am curious to learn more about watercolor. This wondrous path continues to unfold.
©Jacqueline Muller