We were lucky to catch up with Julie Barrett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Julie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My most significant and fulfilling project is an ongoing one where I have the honor of creating mixed-media textile portraits of people’s loved ones. I receive commissions for this work, and it involves using photographs of the subject. Initially, I upload these pictures into Photoshop and make any necessary adjustments. Afterward, I print them, cut them out, and dress them three-dimensionally with fabric. The most meaningful aspect of this work is when the client can provide me with clothing worn by the subject. I then use the old garments to create new ones for the portrait. It is a beautiful way to honor a loved one, and I feel truly privileged to have the opportunity to create this heirloom art piece for my clients!

Julie, 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?

The journey towards my current art series has been delightfully meandering, with lots of twists and turns along the way. I’ve always been interested in using reclaimed textiles to reduce textile waste, fashion, and the psychology behind how people present themselves to the world. This interest has led me to create three-dimensional clothing sculptures for my portrait collages. My aim with these collages is to showcase the unique individuality of each subject, whether they’re a famous musician or simply someone’s grandmother. Each piece honors the subject and their presence on this earth.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I have four children whom I have homeschooled since they were born. It has been quite challenging to continue pursuing my art practice while raising them. However, as my children grew, my art also grew and evolved with them. When they were younger, I created fantastical doll clothes in an heirloom doll company with a partner who made dolls. Now that my children are older and more independent, I can focus on a more grown-up version of this, using everything I learned along the way. Honestly, I don’t think I would have thought of dressing portraits if I hadn’t spent so much time designing tiny fashion clothes! Sometimes, continuing to make art in a way that is relevant to one’s current life season requires great tenacity and resilience!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

One of the constant goals in my art practice is to minimize the amount of textile waste and other found objects that would otherwise end up in a landfill. This objective is a significant part of the development of my art, as I am continually striving to produce works that give new purpose to discarded materials!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliebarrettmixedmedia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliebarrettmixedmediaart