A Conversation with Jill Kargman

jad7156
Sep 26
3 min read

A born and bred New Yorker, Jill Kargman is the creator, writer, producer, and star of the scripted comedy Odd Mom Out, in which Ms. Kargman played a satirical version of herself navigating the hilarity of raising children on the Upper East Side in NYC. She is a New York Times best-selling author of multiple books, including the comedic essay collection, Sprinkle Glitter on my Grave. As a new member of our Honorary Committee for the 14th edition of Salon Art + Design, Jill joined us for a round of rapid-fire questions on her essential design-related accounts and newsletters to follow, her go-to source for discovering new makers and artists, and more.

Art + Design Favorites

If you could add one museum piece to your personal collection, what would it be?

I would pick a kickass vanitas by William Heda. I’m obsessed with Dutch still lifes, but particularly the ones with all the pleasures of life, from fruit to jewels next to a skull, reminding the viewer you can’t take it with you. I have "tempus fugit" tattooed on my arm and I love an image that echoes that, reminding you to appreciate every moment.

Which design era or movement most inspires you right now?

I absolutely love northern renaissance art, especially the symbolic treasure hunt within so many paintings, coupled with the tensions between the Protestant and Catholic Church and veiled "f*** yous" embedded stealthily into lavish commissions—it’s so punk rock.

Who is an emerging artist or designer you think everyone should know?

She’s not exactly emerging anymore, but Tauba Auerbach’s alphabet series with a thin ass pen remains my favorite. We are lucky enough to have the letter K and it gives me joy every day.

What’s a piece in your collection that always sparks conversation?

We have an Edward Gorey etching of a bat that is a crowd pleaser for kids and crypt keepers alike! I love his work so much and his biography, Born To Be Posthumous, is one the best I’ve ever read.

If you could collaborate with any artist or designer, living or dead, who would it be?

Albrecht Dürer. He looked like a movie star.

What’s your favorite space you’ve ever visited for its design or art alone?

The Morgan Library—my favorite room in New York. Actually tied with Trinity College in Dublin’s library—it took my breath away.

Lifestyle

What’s the first piece of art or design you ever purchased?

In college I bought a collage for World AIDS Day on December 1st, 1994, which was $250 and I still love it. It’s hand sewn pieces of vellum with tiny X-rays and is hauntingly beautiful.

What’s your ideal weekend in New York City?

Brunch with my family in brooklyn followed by an art fair! We are art fair junkies and when my three kids were babies we explored galleries every weekend. I also love a Broadway show or Halloween decoration drive in the fall.

Which design-related Instagram accounts or newsletters are your must-follows?

I love House and Garden UK.

What’s your go-to source for discovering new makers and artists

Art fairs.