Turner’s inspirational sources for her paintings are the joy of living, her love for people and the many colors and turns that life offers. As a child she traveled constantly due to her father’s military career. It was during these travels that she discovered the exciting world of painting. It started as an activity her mother found to keep her busy, but in 1981 it became a significant part of her life when her hero, humanitarian Anwar Sadat, was tragically assassinated. This event launched her on the adventure of painting with her first serious work titled Anwar’s Dream.

In 1990, her love and pride in her African-American heritage led her to settle in Eatonville. She finds in the calmness of this "sleeping giant" a "sweet fertile richness of culture and historical significance" that allows her to experience "boundless growth and energy." She is immensely pleased that most of her work has been conceived in this place, and proudly signs her paintings Jane Lily, to honor her great-grandmother and grandmother.

[artist biography by Ximena Cisneros; artist photograph by Colleen Ice]