032 - Cultural Lens Shapeshifter

Jan 11, 2022

Jill Mott is a “cultural lens shapeshifter,” photographer, and photojournalist who brings a unique, sparkling energy to everything she does. Armed with only her camera and imagination, she once traveled the world from England to Zimbabwe… with a stop in Italy for art school! Today, Jill teaches and shares her understanding of communication and storytelling — across a myriad of forms — particularly with the camera.

Jill lives in beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband and family. Her work has been recognized by the National Press Photographers Association. She’s exhibited her work in solo shows and group exhibitions around the country.

What You Hear/Learn/Discover

[0:22] Guest introduction

[2:38] Jill explains why she qualifies herself as a “cultural lens shapeshifter.”

[6:07] Jill shares insights from her experiences as a teacher.

[10:00] Jill talks about her charity work with the Fort Collins Museum of Art.

[21:07] Mag and Jill discuss Jill’s years living in Zimbabwe and how it impacted her art long-term.

[25:45] Discover how Jill met her husband while working on a joint project in Africa.

[28:36] Jill talks about art forms, storytelling, and encouraging her students in their work.

[31:25] Mag talks about how journalism has evolved over the last several decades.

[33:21] Jill answers the question, “If an autobiography or biography was going to be written about your life, what would the title be?”

Quotes

“I began my journey in Zimbabwe after working in newspapers for two decades. I'd always wanted to go to Africa, and of course, I was influenced by those National Geographic covers…Africa always seemed to be a distant place that I was attracted to, and I thought, “Well, what if my prince charming isn't in America?”