Meet Jill Malouf | Abstract Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jill Malouf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jill, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
“Wow I wish I could do that!” … people told me when I recently announced I was now a full time artist.

I hadn’t been in a dead end or meaningless job. I was a partner in a law firm with my name on the door. I loved my clients, my coworkers and even our beautiful offices. It was fulfilling and lucrative – and stressful – work.

But law wasn’t what got me excited every morning. I knew I wanted to create something tangible — and had already been successful with painting as a side hustle.

Something had to give. Law or art. I couldn’t juggle both any longer. But could I actually make a living as a full time artist?

It’s only been a few months, and so far so good! My artwork will be in a TV commercial and I was just picked up by another gallery. I’m making opportunities and trying to mentor new artists.

Risk taking sounds exciting. But are calculated risks actually “risky”?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I began painting to de-stress from my law practice and clear my head. Soon I discovered that creating calming art for others was my mission. It is my purpose and what drives each painting I create.

So you’d probably never guess that I love to listen to 80’s rock when I paint. And sometimes my sense of humor takes over in titles like ‘Koi Fish Narcissist’ or ‘Crime Scene’ (a nod to my former career as a prosecutor)!

The ultimate compliment I can get is when a collector tells me that my paintings bring them joy and help them relax every day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Design District for galleries and interior design. Also Park + Eighth in Ft. Worth, which pairs original art with one of a kind vintage furniture. And Art Gallery Pure in Willow Bend in Plano.

To eat: Toulouse and Bistro 31 – both in the Park Cities – are two favorites.

And of course the Nasher Sculpture Center and Dallas Museum of Art, followed by a picnic from one of the food trucks at Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband Carter and my family and friends have been my greatest cheerleaders. I owe them so much for not telling me I was crazy!

I recently got a birthday card from my dad which said “I’m proud of you’”. I dont care how old you are. Getting a note like that from a parent is something I will always treasure.

Website: www.jillmalouf.com

Instagram: @artist_jillmalouf

Facebook: Jill Malouf Fine Art