We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julia Whitt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julia below.
Julia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
As a young child, I always had a spark for creative expression and making art in whatever form I had access to. My greatest joys and favorite pastimes came from letting my vivid imagination flow, whether that was independently in my room or in the art room at school; a safe haven for the shy and introverted like myself.
As I got older, I had an idea of what people “should do” as adults with a career – you know, lawyer, doctor, nurse, marine biologist, etc. All of them were great choices, of course, but none of them I could really see myself doing. The shift in responses from being asked what you want to be when you grow up as a child quickly shifts from “Aww, of course you can be an artist!” to the uncertainty of, “Are you sure? You know you’ll never make any money with that.”
As a high school senior with the weight of the world on your shoulders, that decision is quite harrowing. Do I pursue what I love, or do I find a way to fit into the mold of what others find success in? For me, it felt like being that one Tupperware container in the cabinet that you just can’t find a lid for.
I believe I knew for a very long time that creative expression and making art in some form was not something I could leave behind. As sappy as it may sound, it’s part of who I am. From the way I observe the world around me to how I learn and operate on a daily basis, it’s fully integrated into who I am as a person. I come from a generous line of incredibly gifted and skilled artists who, even in the late 1800s to early 1900s, made a tremendously positive impact on their communities at the time. I want to say that a portion of that made its way to me. The desire to reach others with art – in an educational setting or otherwise – is something that continues to bring me inspiration and get my gears turning, so to speak.
After stepping away from elementary art education in 2020, my life took a significant turn when I hit rock bottom with my mental health. It was as if every ounce of trauma that I had endured years prior just hit maximum capacity, and I could no longer cope with the weight of being alive. I tried and tried to keep things at bay, but I realize now that living that way is never sustainable. Eventually, you have to make space to process and learn to cope effectively. I spent that year in multiple treatment settings in an effort to find a new equilibrium, focus on healing, and in a lot of ways, learn how and why my neural pathways are the way they are. It was a grueling process that took (and still takes) a tremendous amount of work and resilience. During this time, and particularly after getting settled back at home in 2021, it forced me to really evaluate what it is I wanted to do, what my goals were, and most importantly – how to pursue those goals while putting my health first.
Through consistent therapy and self-reflection, I’ve tapped more into inner child healing and what little me would love and be proud of. The answer to that isn’t a specific career title or a dramatic job change. Instead, it’s continuing to explore, learn, and being open to new opportunities that help me grow through this journey.
My focus as a Visual Artist, as it stands right now, is creating works that reflect mental health topics. Sometimes, that is represented in pieces that are more personal reflections/experiences, mental health awareness and advocacy in general through varying mediums, or abstract explorations of the brain-body connection to art.
While it’s clear that this has been a lifelong passion of mine, the version of me that emerged after 2020 feels, in a lot of ways, like a new pursuit in a direction I’m really excited for as a working, professional artist.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Julia Whitt, and I am a Visual Artist based in Garner, NC! The traditional route into this industry is not the one I took, assuming there even is a traditional route anymore. I am actually an art school dropout! I used to carry a lot of shame (and sometimes still do) for admitting that, but I have begun to accept that it doesn’t define my worth or success as a human and an artist. It wasn’t due to a lack of effort—I did very well in school—but the overwhelming weight of debt and the cost of living made it too much for me to continue.
There is no one “right” way to become a professional artist. Sometimes it involves holding one or two degrees, and sometimes it doesn’t require any at all. While I lack a degree, I have compensated with life experiences, various jobs I’ve held, the places I’ve traveled, and the valuable lessons I’ve learned outside of a classroom setting.
I started small by getting my foot in the door through a few artist of the month showings in local galleries, participating in pop-up craft markets, having my pieces displayed in restaurants, and posting artwork on social media. These experiences helped me gain exposure and make connections with other artists. I continue to seek local opportunities to exhibit my work as they arise. Over the past two years, I have been featured in some juried exhibitions and received a first-place award in the Triangle Cultural Art Gallery’s Sankofa Visual Competition in 2021 for my piece titled “Zoloft, 100 mg.”
Building a social media presence is an ongoing learning process for me. It is challenging not only for myself but also for many other artists because art is often a personal and cathartic experience. Documenting the artistic process can sometimes feel unnatural and exhausting. However, the algorithm demands content, and the reward of building new connections can be truly wonderful.
I work with a multitude of mediums, often incorporating several of them in each piece I create. Mixed media art offers a great deal of versatility and allows me to explore various techniques by incorporating different textures that add a unique sense of dimension. I enjoy experimenting with different materials to see how they interact with one another on a single substrate. I have a fondness for recycling canvases, papers, scraps, found objects, etc., and integrating them into my artwork. One person’s trash often becomes my treasure! It adds a unique story and journey to the art, giving those items a new life. I try not to limit myself to one medium, as I find that my skills are fairly equal across different mediums independently of each other. Truthfully, I simply cannot choose just one medium to focus on!
The “space” I have created for all things art-related is called Mind 2 Medium. It encompasses all the works I create, with a particular focus on mental health. On my website, I offer prints for sale, including replications of 2D pieces and digital illustrations—another art form I have grown to love! I am also open to accepting commissions and am available for potential projects.
Since March, another significant focus of mine has been promoting a fundraiser for a wonderful family I am close to, whose son has been battling brain cancer. I designed shirts, stickers, and totes that can be purchased through my website and are fulfilled via a print-on-demand service. All the profits go to the family, and we have been able to raise a substantial amount of funds so far. I hope to continue this initiative for the foreseeable future. If you’re reading this and would like to check it out, you can shop the Spread Moore Love collection under “Support Mason’s Fight.”
With Mind 2 Medium, my aim is to showcase vulnerability and transparency by creating and sharing art based on themes and topics that can be challenging to confront. I hope to positively impact people through my work and, at the very least, raise awareness about mental health. I strongly believe in prioritizing the artistic process over the final product, and providing insights into the creative journey allows viewers to connect with the artwork and the artist by understanding how we arrive at a beautiful finished piece!
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Financial support is a big one. The term “starving artist” comes to mind first and foremost. It’s no secret that artists often face financial challenges, so providing grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities specifically tailored for artists can greatly assist them in pursuing their creative endeavors. Additionally, fair compensation for artists’ work and ensuring that they have access to affordable studio spaces can make a significant difference. It’s shocking how many people will ask for free work, even if it’s not necessarily meant out of malice. Creativity takes a tremendous amount of time and effort, and artists should be properly compensated for that.
Promoting arts education in schools and communities is crucial for nurturing creativity and fostering an appreciation for the arts, both for children and adults. Providing accessible opportunities for artists to share their skills and knowledge through workshops, lectures, and mentorship programs can make such a positive impact.
Encouraging collaborations and networking among artists, creatives, and other industries fosters innovation and growth and provides spaces where artists can connect with potential collaborators, mentors, and patrons.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Therapy. No, seriously, go to therapy.
I don’t know if I can actually name one artist or creative – whether that be a friend of mine, mentor, or well-known artist – who wouldn’t benefit from seeing a therapist or already has one.
Engaging in therapy can help you develop coping strategies, enhance self-awareness, and cultivate resilience. It can assist in managing creative blocks, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and other psychological barriers that may hinder your artistic growth. Through therapy, you can develop a stronger sense of self, foster healthy relationships, and nurture your overall well-being, all of which contribute to your ability to create meaningful and impactful art.
Let’s debunk the notion that the struggles and inner turmoil artists face should be glorified or romanticized. It’s time to break free from the stereotype of the “troubled artist” and acknowledge that seeking therapy doesn’t diminish your creative abilities. Quite the opposite, therapy can enhance and enrich your creative process, allowing you to produce remarkable art while nurturing your mental and emotional well-being.
Accessible therapy may not always be readily available, but don’t lose hope. Take the initiative to explore local resources that may offer sliding scale rates or other affordable options.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mind2medium.square.site/
- Instagram: @mind2medium