Celebration of life for renowned artist Jill Booth

A Celebration of Life ceremony for acclaimed artist Jill Booth will be held at St Mary's By the Sea on Sunday 17 January at 9am.

She passed away late last year after suffering health challenges. She was 87 and had lived in the Douglas Shire for more than 30 years.

Because of COVID-19, numbers are restricted in the church and only 40 will be allowed to attend, compared to 100 prior to the pandemic.

Jill’s daughter, Virginia Norris, said there are a few spaces available and has requested that those who wish to attend can text her on 0409 019 055.

Jill was a story teller. Using paints and brushes, she told stories about the Australian landscape, about its vastness, its oceans, mountains and beaches.

Through oil and acrylic painting ideas, she brought to life Great Barrier Reef pictures showing the excitement of coral spawning, colourful tropical fish, the beaches and islands scattered throughout, the drama of weather events, ocean currents and people’s interaction with Nature.

She trained as an artist in Perth, including art teaching, which she practised within Australia and overseas.
Jill was highly regarded in her field and this list of achievements speaks volumes:

2016: Co-curated 'Gondwana's Garden' exhibition at Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns. New series of silk scarves - abstract 'Patterns in Nature'. Teaching. Built new website, www.spiritofoz.com

2015: Barrier Reef range of silk scarves. Teaching.

2013, 2014: New range of silk scarves (Tropical Flowers). Printmaking studies. Curated 'Asian Influence' exhibition with Ross Bannister at Canopy Gallery, Cairns. Windows project at Reef Marina, Port Douglas. Teaching.

2011 and 2012: Port Douglas Artists shared studio/gallery. Developed designs for digitally printed silk scarves, launched February 2012. Paintings at JCU, Cairns.

2009 and 2010: Directed and coordinated Go Troppo Arts Festival, Port Douglas.

2007 – 2008: Built own art related website www.art-in-tropical-australia.com and www.go-troppo-arts-festival.com. Paintings on canvas and paper, hand painted and printed fabric lengths.

2008: With Louise Collier developed Go Troppo Arts Festival concept and managed this highly successful event. Own artwork.

2007: Organised development of “Low Isles – a fragile sanctuary” exhibition, involving twelve artists. Function for 300 people held at sugar wharf in Port Douglas. Continued own artwork.

2004 – 2008: Own art practice – painting and textiles.

2007: Developed Artquest Port Douglas – tour business visiting artists’ studios in the Port Douglas region.

2004 – 2008: Helped to establish Arthouse Port Douglas Inc. and coordinated art classes for that group. Adult art teaching.

1990 – 2005: Established, owned and managed Port Douglas Galleries of Fine Art. Organised numerous exhibitions, competitions and auctions at our galleries and at other venues. Own arts practice.

1995 – 2005: VIP GIFTS – a gift custom design service for the corporate market.

1985 – 1990: Study, travel, painting, silk scarves, sold at markets.

1975 – 1985: Owned and operated tourist park at Kalbarri in WA. Own studio art practice- painting, ceramics, jewellery . Intrinsic Art & Design – hand printed gifts and souvenirs.

Pre 1975: Study, teaching, research, travel, family. Making silver jewellery from home studio.