Exploring the Intersection of Art and Nature
About My Work
My work explores the natural world through a balance of form, function, and minimalist aesthetics. By merging traditional ceramics and contemporary basketry, I create vessels that are both functional and contemplative — works that celebrate nature’s beauty and complexity. Rooted in the delicate connections between all things, my work invites a closer relationship with the environment — nurturing compassion for the world around us and a deeper sense of belonging within it.
Each piece is a tactile artifact, thoughtfully crafted using ethically sourced materials, and serves as a window into a world which blurs the lines between function and fine art. My work evolves organically, reflecting my changing interests and energies, but always remains grounded in simplicity and authenticity.
About Jamila
Born in the Cotswolds of England to English and Algerian parents, I have lived and worked around the world, shaped by the diverse landscapes and climates that I’ve encountered. Now based in Glen Huron, Ontario, I draw creative inspiration from my biodynamic homestead, where I raise my family alongside chickens, bees, and gardens, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment.
My artistic journey began in childhood but took a backseat to careers in outdoor travel and education, where I always found ways to teach and learn through art. In 2016, I was honoured with the OAEA Arts Educator of the Year Award for introducing art into STEM education. I later taught Environmental Science at Teachers College and served as an Arts Consultant for our School Board, but my greatest joy came from teaching kindergarten, where I learned that creative confidence thrives in the wonder of youth. In 2021, a health scare shifted my life path, and at 48 years old, I finally found clay. Deeply drawn natural materials, this medium allowed me to reconnect with my creativity while learning to slow down and engage with the world in a new way. Now, through my art, I aim to inspire others to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and our shared place within it.
“Nature is my teacher and has much to teach me about life and about myself. Art is my way of creatively expressing my ways of knowing, being and seeing.”