Jaime Dillon | Self-Taught Artist
I'm Jaime Dillon, the artist behind Sears Island Studios. I'm a self-taught Massachusetts artist, and my creative work has never fit neatly into one medium or style. I explore abstract and visionary art through painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, and textured surfaces. More recently, I've been incorporating my original artwork into smaller pieces, including jewelry. My approach is always changing. Sometimes I start with a plan; other times I just follow the colors and see where they take me.
Art as an Outlet
For much of my professional life, I have worked in nonprofit and human services, including homelessness, food insecurity, and fundraising. It is meaningful work, but it can also be stressful, and sometimes heartbreaking. Long before I was thinking about selling artwork, painting was a way for me to process those experiences and make room to breathe. Art has been an outlet, not just a product. That has shaped the way I create and the meaning behind many of my pieces.
A Meditative Creative Practice
For me, painting is a way to quiet my mind. Creating can feel meditative, sometimes prayerful, and wonderfully freeing. I enjoy experimenting with color, texture, movement, and unexpected materials. The most interesting discoveries often happen when a piece changes direction halfway through. I don't think an artist has to make the same thing forever. I'm happiest when there's still something new to discover.
Exhibitions, Arts Leadership & Teaching
Art has been part of my life both in the studio and out in the community. Some of the experiences that have shaped that journey include:
- Published artwork: My Loaves and Fishes painting appeared on the cover of an edition of Breaking Bread, published by OCP (Oregon Catholic Press).
- Anna Maria College: Three-artist exhibition in Paxton, Massachusetts, featuring my Loaves and Fishes painting.
- ArtsWorcester: Participated in group exhibitions.
- Canal District Art Walk: Helped organize Worcester's community arts event, covered in the local press.
- Wild Fire: Finding Jesus in the Arts: Created, designed and directed two arts conferences in 2016 and 2017, and taught an arts funding and grant-writing workshop.
- Art & Peace: Created and organized workshops at Art Reach, guest artist sessions and online creative gatherings.
- Art education: Led art classes and creative workshops for various ages and experience levels.
- The Bean Counter: Held a solo exhibition of original work.
A New Chapter
Recently I've been making more room for art in my life, literally and creatively. Moving into a larger workspace inspired me to revisit older paintings, let some go, and turn others into something new. I've been cutting, layering, repainting, making collages, and exploring wearable art. My family and the people closest to me have been cheering me on along the way.
Sears Island Studios is a place to share what I'm creating, what I'm learning, and the stories behind the artwork. Visit Jaime's Journal for reflections from the studio, and check back for upcoming exhibitions and events. I'm glad you're here.
Sharing the Gift of Creativity
I believe creative talent is a gift from God, and gifts are meant to be shared.
For me, creating art is a deeply personal, meditative, and sometimes prayerful experience. It's a way to quiet my mind, explore new ideas, and express things that aren't always easy to put into words.
For years, much of my artwork remained tucked away in my studio. Through Sears Island Studios and Jaime's Journal, I'm making a more intentional effort to share not only what I create, but the stories, experiences, and creative discoveries along the way.