Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Julia Anthony. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Julia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

As a professional artist of over 20+ years, one of the most meaningful projects that I’ve undertaken has been the murals that I’ve created for the Escondido Public Library in Escondido, CA. These murals graced three walls, spanning a remarkable 3700 square feet collectively, demanding my unwavering dedication for an entire year until their completion in 2010..

One day, someone shared that the library was thinking of putting large, laminated photographs of animals native to Africa on the walls in the children’s department of the library. Within minutes of hearing this, I rushed over and asked to speak with the director. I imparted to her that at a time when art was always the first thing to be cut from a school’s budget, I thought this would be a tremendous opportunity for children, families, and library patrons, alike to watch the mesmerizing evolution of an artist bringing a mural to life, fostering a deeper appreciation for creativity and culture. Following my presentation to the library foundation showcasing my portfolio of previous mural projects and articulating my vision for this ambitious project, I was granted the commission.

In putting together the design of this artwork, I decided to focus on showcasing endangered species of the African savannah. During my time painting, I had numerous interactive sessions with classrooms of children, ranging from kindergarten through senior high schoolers, sharing insights of my artistic processes and my journey as an artist.

These murals have had and continue to have the profound power to positively influence and inspire children and their families. Showing the vibrant beauty, intrigue and crucial importance of our wildlife gives people an understanding of the incredible gift of nature, and helps instill a desire to protect these precious natural habitats.

Julia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a professional, contemporary realist artist, and my art can often be described as biophilic. Skilled in multiple different mediums, I work primarily in acrylics and most of my mural art is predominately “paintbrush to the wall.”

I grew up in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey where I developed an early interest in art. At the age of 14, I studied for the next three years with celebrated landscape painter, Pat Witt of the Barn Studio of Art. At 17, I was accepted into the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where I received my formal art training.

After leaving art school, many of my classmates and I agreed that the Academy taught us how to be some of the most amazing artists in the world, however, they didn’t teach us how to market ourselves or our art! After becoming integrated in the “real world” again and having numerous “regular jobs” that had absolutely nothing to do with art, I came to the quick conclusion that I should definitely be using my artistic skills that I acquired. At that moment of divine realization, it was quite serendipitous that I came across a ten-page article in the San Diego Union Tribune that featured the city’s top mural artists. After reading the article and seeing what they were earning, I thought, “I can do this!”

And so my journey as a mural artist began, creating life-sized and larger-than-life murals in corporate, public and private sectors throughout the U.S. For most of my murals, I work solo and to date, my largest mural has been 36 feet high by 140 feel long, living 5 1/2 months of my life on a 40 foot lift!

I feel that one of the key elements in being successful in my mural and canvas art business is that I truly listen to what my clients’ visions are. To ensure that we’re on the same page, I create a preliminary painting for them. It’s at this time that we’re able to discuss their thoughts such as “I absolutely love it”! or “Can you add this item or change that color?” Additionally, when I accept a project, that project is my only project, from concept to completion.

I am awe-struck by the beauty that surrounds me – the lines, the curves, the lushness of colors. While I’m painting, I feel lifted to a sacred, higher level of consciousness. In that state, I strive to find the melody in the paint and to capture the true essence of my subject. When people look at walls filled with the art that I’ve created, their mouths wide open with the words “absolutely amazing” soon to follow, I feel a tremendous sense of satisfaction that I’ve been able to create such positive energy.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is for my art to be a catalyst for positive change in our world. I aim for my paintings to illuminate the pressing issues facing humanity and to evoke emotions in the viewer that inspire meaningful change. My art reflects significant concerns such as our responsibility to protect our planet, the plight of endangered animals and sea life, the hunger and starvation of children in Africa, and the homelessness crisis in the United States.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I feel that the mindset in our society needs to change in how artists are viewed. Often, I encounter the misconception that because artists are passionate about their work, it is seen as a hobby rather than a legitimate career. Consequently, artists are frequently undervalued and underpaid for their true talent and contributions.

I like to use the analogy that the way I wield my brushes is akin to that of how a surgeon uses his instruments. My formal art training, combined with years of diverse projects that have refined my skills and experience merit recognition and appropriate compensation.

Art speaks to our soul. Society can best support artists by acknowledging their talents and paying them accordingly. Let us tear down the myth of the “Starving Artist” so that each and every artist can thrive, instead of barely survive!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.juliaanthonyfineart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliaanthonyart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuliaAnthonyFineArt
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/juliaanthonyfineart