Overview
Julie "Jill" Quichocho Benavente has been creating original works of body ornamentation inspired by ancient Chamorro artifacts for over twenty years. Jill's work expands beyond modest replication to re-interpret and re-envision these ancient valuables as important modes of examination and contemplation on notions of cultural values, preservation, identity, self-determination, social justice, and the environment.
Having supported the development of several apprentices and inspiring others through her art and activism, she is known affectionately as "Mama Jill." She was awarded the title "Sainan Minehalom Manlasque-Adotnon I Tatãotao, " or Master Carver-Body Ornamentation from the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency in 2015.
Jill began carving during the Na 'shon Chamoru (Chamorro Nation) land protests in 1991 where she and her family, along with several others, occupied the expansive lawn of the Governor's office in protest of the administration's failure to uphold and responsibly allot the Chamorro Land Trust. The Trust was established to advance the wellbeing of the Chamorro people through equitable land distibution. The demonstartion sparked an indigenous arts renaissance that promoted cultural sustainability through revitalization of Chamorro lanaguage, the revival and continuity of traditional art forms, and other practices, such as fishing and the cultiuvation of local crops.
Public awareness of the ways in which this group of marginalised protestors pushed for indigenous rights and demnostrated an intricate and extended exchange netwoirk of chencule' quickly grew. Artists worked around the clock and Jill's fascination with carving exploded. She watched closely, picking up techniques, and soon began experimenting with her own forms.
Initially, Jill faced negative criticsim in her attempts to participatein amle dominated art form. However, she quickly demonstarted her strength and skilland is now one of the islands's most recognised and celebrated artists. Jill works in giant clam or hima shell, spondylus or Pacific spiny oyster shell, cone shells, ifit wood, and more.
Jill owns and operates a cultural shop Guinahan Chamoru Arts, located at the Sägan Kotturan Chamoru in Tamuning. She originally opened the shop in Mangilao in 1998, and has featured over 70 local artists and items over the years. The shop is also a venue for Jill to provide instruction. She has worked with more than 12 emerging carvers and weavers, who learn the techniques and materials of her craft, including Angela Therese Santos and Kerri Ann Borja.
Angela and Kerri Ann have also included some of their original work in collaboration with Jill for this collection. Angela's piece entitled "Maga'Häga" includes her stylized composition of a latte stone pendant made of hima. Angela became Jill's first apprentice in 2008 when she established the program and has been carving with her ever since. Kerri Ann created a hairpiece made of marlin bone and spondylus. Kerri Ann became an apprentice in 2009 and has dedicated every summer since then to working closely with Jill and developing her craft.
Monaeka Flores (2016)