Jill Hagata

As a Southern California based artist, I find inspiration in my life experiences. When my wonderful father unexpectedly passed away a couple years ago, I felt like my creative spark had been lost. On a journey of healing and acceptance, I took a touchstone trip across Europe with my family. During our travels to Holland, France, Switzerland, and Italy, I was captivated by the enchanting canals, the intricate glasswork of Murano, and a deliciously tacky Christmas market in Paris. The experiences helped me renew my sense of wonder and joy, and inspired me to create new work. 

The dreamlike vessel, Bittersweet, is the beginning of my whimsical sculpture series, Filled with Gold; an expression of love, hope, and connection. I construct multiples of individually dyed fiberglass ‘muffins’ infused with 24 karat gold, to build colorful, textural, and transparent forms that evoke nostalgia and imagination.

Bittersweet is dedicated to my beloved dad, whom I will forever miss.