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

Julia, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew that I wanted to pursue an artistic path was in high school. I was taking sculpture classes in high school, but I felt that it was too impractical to pursue for a career. Sculpture was still my favorite class, but I had resigned myself that it wasn’t going to be my path in life. During one of the sculpture classes, my teacher Ms. King brought in a ceramicist to do a demonstration and artist talk. During his artist talk, he explained that his entire day-to-day life revolved around making his ceramic art. As I listened to him talk about his life as an artist, my eyes started to well up with tears because I felt that would never be my life. I was surprised by the depth of my own reaction and it made me realize how much I wanted to have art in my life, but I still resolved to not commit my life to art. In college, through the encouragement of my professors and confidence I gained, I finally accepted myself as an artist.

Julia, 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’m a Pittsburgh-based artist working in sculpture, installation, and performance. In 2014, I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BA and, in 2017, graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with an MFA in Sculpture. My work is defined by a series of radically disparate multimedia projects unified by their intentional unpredictability, use of unstable materials, and orchestration of situations in which my body and/or a constructed space are subjected to various hazards and forces of disorder. With each piece, my intent—although never completely pre-determined—is to push a range of materials to the limits of their utility, while placing myself in precarious circumstances that simultaneously function as metaphors of emotional/psychic vulnerability and pure demonstrations of intentional disarray. Generally, I make a mess—but it’s a purposeful, highly textured mess.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Everyone is capable of supporting artists whether it manifests as financial support, publicity, exhibitions, or emotional support.

Buying artwork is an important part of making the life of an artist possible. The money provided from artwork sales is funneled directly back into making work or an artist’s cost of living. Most artists have at least two jobs: a day job and their career as an artist. Because we have to split our time between multiple jobs, a lot of artists struggle financially. Buying work is a good way to support artists financially.

Another way to support artists is through sharing an artist’s work with others. This can happen through social media, in person, or other online means. (If you share an artist’s work on social media, make sure to tag them & include their name! That helps them grow their base.) This publicity can be a gateway to more opportunities for the artist.

Next, if you have the means, giving artists exhibition opportunities is a great route to support artists. Exposure is valuable to growing an artist’s career.

Lastly, if you are friends with an artist or in a relationship with an artist, take interest and respect the path of being an artist. A lot of people minimize artists saying things such as being an artist is “fun” or a “hobby”. This discredits the incredible amount of time and effort it takes to be an artist. If you know an artist personally, the emotional support you can provide by giving them respect is very valuable. Artists constantly face rejection and your encouragement can help them continue onwards.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect is the space that art gives you for your own independence and freedom. Life can feel confining, but the possibilities of art are limitless. Through art, you can talk about things that you wouldn’t normally express in your daily life. I can be myself and speak honestly though my art. I can connect with people in ways that I’m not able to through speaking or writing. Art can allow you to feel seen and heard on a deeper level.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.juliabetts.com
• Instagram: julia_betts

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me, Julia Betts