Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joanne Julian. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Joanne , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you’ve thought about whether to sign with an agent or manager?
My first great dealer was the late Jan Baum. I made an appointment, and went to see her. We had a long discussion about my family, schooling, and how I decided to be an artist. She was interested, honest, caring, and treated me like family. I think she could see I was straightforward and disciplined. She made me feel comfortable.
Joanne , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am an artist that creates drawings, paintings and prints. I majored in those areas, as well as sculpture, when I was in university. I am sure the work has been influenced by the fact that I also took lessons as a kid in swimming, ballet and piano, as there is movement in everything I create. . . sometimes in a garden, sometimes in water, and often in the starry skies. I still often dream of flying in the night sky, and have since I was a small child. The movement, or journey, is mandatory, and I want the viewer to travel with me.
When students would ask me what makes a great work of art, I would answer that it had to pass to the “eye, brain and gut test.” By that, I meant that it had to be compelling to the viewer in three areas. First, to pass the eye test, it had to be rendered very skillfully. Second, to pass the brain test, it had to engage the viewer in an intellectual manner…instigate questions and make them think about possibilities. Third, and finally, it had to get the viewer in the gut, or I should say heart. Reaching the passion and the soul were just as important as the eye and brain. All three must be addressed. No one item could be eliminated; they had to work as a team.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
About 20 years ago, I was run over by a car when trying to help a stranded motorist. Long story short, I was left with two broken legs and several surgeries to repair them with titanium replacements for my many broken bones. I was in a hospital bed at home for several months. When I was able to get myself into a wheelchair, I wheeled myself to my studio at the back of my house and positioned myself at my drafting table. Drawing every day while I was in braces helped engage my heart and soul and kept me thriving.
I have always had a plan to work at my table daily. It’s necessary, just like eating, or taking a shower. It is what keeps me going. I am always motivated.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is having a constant supply of fuel to express myself and communicate. Usually, the piece I have just finished provides fuel and/or ideas for the next one or the next series. The ideas don’t stop if I don’t stop working. Communicating successfully is a great reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joannejulian.com
- Instagram: joannejulianstudio
- Facebook: Joanne Julian
Image Credits
Joanne Julian