Louis Creek's Jill Hayward is no stranger to the world of creativity
and art.
Earning a living in her late teens and early twenties as an
animal portrait artist through the medium of oil, pencil, and
charcoal Jill says she has always embraced the arts in one form
or another. In the late 1970's photography, with its numerous
possibilities and opportunities was introduced to her, and a new
love was born through fi lm, video, and later digital imaging.
Essentially a self-taught photographer Jill's portfolio of work displayed
here depicts the wonder and beauty of the North Thompson
Valley, its scenic vistas, wildlife and nature.
D e s c r i b - ing herself as a "wildlife addict," she is in constant pursuit of those rare and
inspiring images that nature sometimes bestows to a quiet and patient photographer – a photographer not adverse
to scrambling up rocky outcrops, or hunkering down in an alpine meadow for hours on end to "get that unique shot."
"Finding those special moments when a bird, coyote, or deer, accept you into their world is very rewarding," says Jill,
"It's then that you feel a sense of great privilege to be able to record these private moments from natures domain."
Over the years Jill's photography has been recognized by her peers, chalking-up an impressive number of awards.
From panting eagles, to caressing coyotes, Jill's work shows her passion in creating unique photographs that celebrate
the drama of nature, and the beauty of life, depicted by the birds and animals that she calls "the locals."
Jill is also an accomplished rawhide and leather braider, and says she takes one order each year for her braiding.
Bridles crafted by Jill can be found with horsemen and horsewomen as far away as California, Mississippi, Australia,
Alberta, and England.
Jill Hayward can be contacted at: Mountain Meadows Ranch, Box 137, Louis Creek, B.C., VOE 2EO. 250-672-0055