Jill Dunn
Silversmithing and Jewelry Making
How long have you lived in Carmel?
I've been living in Carmel for four years since moving from Kokomo, but I grew up in Detroit, Michigan.
What inspires your art?
A lot of my work has to do with what I see in the stones. I line them up on my bench and walk past them several times to get an idea of what I want to do with them. Then, I start sketching and imagining the designs.
I love the ability to control what I want to do and design what I want to design. I also love learning about the different stones/colorations and what they mean- the origins of the stones.
I’ve had an artist’s heart all my life, but I was a CEO at a not-for-profit for children and adults with special needs for 42 years. Close to the end of my career, I started to take classes at Indianapolis Art Center for silversmithing and jewelry making. It’s been my creative outlet for 8 years.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to continue to be a valuable member of Indiana Artisans and continue to create for different boutiques around Indiana and surrounding states.
Evan Steiner
Abstract Painter
How long have you lived in Indiana?
I grew up in New Jersey, but moved to Indy 6 years ago after meeting Radie, my wife who is a photographer, on Instagram.
What do you love most about your work?
I am an abstract artist, so I love when people make up their own mind about the meaning of my work. That’s how you know you’ve connected with the person.
What inspires your art?
Music is the biggest factor for my art. They say there’s a song for every emotion, so even when I paint commissioned work, I ask clients to send a playlist and then listen to it on loop to convey the interpretation of the songs. If there wasn’t music, I wouldn’t paint.
When my father passed in 2015, I felt compelled to paint again and it grew like wildfire.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I want to be continuing on the path I am on right now. There is a comfortable balance between my life, work, and art.
Taylor Walker
Expressionist Fine Artist and Illustrator
How long have you lived in Carmel?
I grew up in Avon, and went to Purdue to study Graphic Design. My husband and I moved to Carmel about a year ago; we feel so lucky to have a home here.
What inspires your art?
I am a huge animal lover. I was an only-child of a single mom, so at times while growing up, it was just me and my animals. Color is also such a huge part of my life, so my art reflects both of these. The color and medium I use in my work really reflects my mood for the day. There's truly a season for each of the mediums.
My work is a true representation of who I am as a person. I'm very energetic, lively, and I just love color. Everything about my work just screams energy and happiness, and I feel like each piece just kind of lights up on its own.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In 2022, I applied and was accepted to become an Indiana Artisan- it's been the highlight of my last year! Moving forward, I want more people to get the chance to see my art. I plan to continue commissioned work, but I also want my work to be re-printable and available for anyone to enjoy.
"My work is a true representation of who I am as a person. I'm very energetic, lively, and I just love color."