Jill Marks

Jill is gyotaku, gel print and linocut printmaker. 
Jill Marks is an orthopedic physical therapist based in Newport, Oregon. Her journey into the world of printmaking began in 2016, when she saw an exhibit of gyotaku and was immediately smitten. Following that experience she was fortunate to be mentored by Heather Fortner. Since then, she has cultivated a deep passion for printing both wildlife and botanical specimens. Exploring various forms of print making including gelli printing, eco printing and lino cut has expanded her use of natural materials and enriched her artistic process. After completing the Teaching Artist Preparation (TAP) program at the Visual Arts Center in Newport, Jill now enjoys sharing her creative process with the community. She utilizes various forms of printmaking to engage and inspire others. Jill is a lifetime member of the Nature Printing Society, reflecting her commitment to both her craft and the preservation of the natural world.

She finds gyotaku (Japanese fish printing) the perfect art form for her, as she loves the tactile process of pressing paper onto the inked specimen to allow all of its detail to arrive on the print.
Her intention with her fish prints is to transport the viewer directly into the depths of the sea, allowing them to witness the vibrant life that thrives beneath the waves. When she adds seaweed or multiple fish on a print, she aims to evoke the sensation of being surrounded by marine life, fostering a sense of immersion and wonder.
Through each wildlife print, she hopes to offer an intimate perspective on each species, giving viewers a close-up look at the unique characteristics of these remarkable creatures. By sharing these extraordinary sights, her hope is to inspire a deeper appreciation for wildlife and encourage a commitment to protecting both the animals and the environments they inhabit.
Conservation is an important aspect of her printing. The ability to use her specimens for about 10 years (with good care) is a way to bring intimate prints of nature to the public without having to deplete the resource.
Her love of the natural world keeps her active and on the lookout for flora and fauna to print. Often she returns from a walk and heads right to her studio to print an interesting flower or prepares a piece of seaweed for future printing.