HOW JILL PERLA USES ART TO FIND HER VOICE By Shayda Windle
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s a former business executive turned art consultant, coach, and writer, Jill Perla fell into her profession through an unusual path. She grew up with a sister, who was both hard of hearing and aphasic, and a bipolar mother, which came with its own set of challenges. “It was through these experiences I learned coping skills and how to think creatively in all aspects of my life,” Perla says. “My mentality was always keep running forward and don’t look back.” In her 40s, Perla’s father passed away from dementia. Before his passing, he created art as part of his therapy. It was then Perla took up painting as a way to cope. “[It] spurred my creative journey into a Voice | Page 27
Top: Jill Perla, photographed by Jennifer Gray. Bottom left: “My Turn,” 16” X 20.” Bottom second: “No Fly Aways,” 18” X 24.” Bottom third: “Faith,” 8” X 10.” Fourth: “Patience,” 30” X 40.”
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middleburglife.com
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AUGUST 2020
