Jill Mowrey

Jill Mowrey became a full-time artist when her position as a corporate business analyst ended in 2006 with a layoff. Trained as a graphic designer and photographer during her years at the company, she saw the job loss as an opportunity to do something different.

That’s not a typical launch for a career in art. But then, Jill’s photography is far from typical. Relying on a keen sense of observation, she uses her camera to transform ordinary places and everyday scenes throughout Indiana into beautiful, unique photos.

“I observe carefully wherever I go,” Jill says. “I can be driving on my way to an appointment and see an abandoned building that I find colorful or meaningful in some way. It is hard to explain, but I just seem to look at things differently and more carefully than most people.”

A place right for photographing usually elicits some emotional response in her, she explains.

“I find if you look closely at a place, you can usually find at least a small part of it that makes an interesting image.” As an example, she remembers taking a tight shot of the word “truth” on a war memorial.

“Places inspire me the most,” she says. “I have traveled across the country, from New York City to San Diego, yet still find the images from my home state to be the most satisfying.”

The Madison County photographer believes images from Indiana represent American better than the more conventional, big city images of architecture and people.

“I find true beauty in the simple and often everyday places that represent Indiana and much of the Midwest,” she says.