Jill Medinger
All your animals—monkeys, dogs, horses, and others—are depicted in such vibrant style. Do you have a personal affinity for horses, or are you an equal animal lover?
I’d say I am an equal animal lover, lol. I love nature and animals and depicting them in unusual or eclectic ways.
Do you consider yourself a horse person?
I’ve always loved horses and spending time around them. I love being in their presence and find them one of the most emotionally expressive animals.
Has your whimsical and colorful style evolved from earlier styles, or have these key elements always been reflected in your work?
I used to paint primarily people and mainly watercolors. When my fourth child was born, I started painting the Staffordshire dogs in my quirky, colorful style, which evolved into many other animals. I wanted to paint things I would like to hang in my home. I like a lot of white and neutral in my surroundings and clothing with pops of bright color.
Whose work has inspired you over the years?
Matisse, Harrison Howard, Andy Dixon, Ashley Longshore, Sarah Graham, Indian miniature art, and vintage botanical illustration.
You’ve collaborated with Anthropologie, Caspari, and other brands. Do you enjoy that process, and do you have any new collaborations in the works?
I do like collaborations, although they are not as profitable as they may seem. That is sometimes frustrating. I am now collaborating with a smaller line called Mary Marshmallow that offers linens, clothing, accessories, rugs, and more in my designs. I am still working with Jayes Studio, which offers Toleware, and I still sell some art prints with Anthropologie. I am always open to fun collaborations.
Where do you find creative inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere. It can be a room with fantastic color combinations, textiles, flowers, plants, vintage illustrations, costume illustrations, timeless children’s books, beautiful packaging, or vintage labels.
I read that you love to travel. What location might be at the top of your list?
I do love to travel and hope to do more in the near future. A few of my favorites have been Wengen, Switzerland, Florence, and Helsinki.
To browse and purchase Paige’s work, check out her Etsy store here. To view the entire EQ Living March/April 2024 issue click this link. To view other equestrian designers EQ has featured click here.