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

Julie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I do wish that I had started my art career sooner. Circumstances in life sometimes branch you off in a different direction that you have no control over. It is never too late.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Just a little bit about myself.

I was born in Germany and then immigrated to Canada, the land of opportunity my parents said. They were right.
I have wanted to be an artist since I was twelve years old. I was discouraged to pursue art for “it will not pay the bills”. When I retired I finally had the freedom to go full throttle with my art work. I was already a successful Photographer but my passion was art. I took art classes from local artists, joined art groups, participated in juried shows and learned on YouTube. Like a sponge I was so thirsty to learn new techniques.
There were life’s obstacles along my journey of course, but I met those challenges and today I am proud to call myself a Visual Artist.
I started as an Acrylic Artist approximately ten years ago, After gaining experience in the magical processes of watercolour, one day I decided to reinvent myself. From acrylic landscapes to water colour.
I knew I made the right decision.
My style changed from serious acrylic paintings to works of the Wonderful World of Whimsy in watercolour ink. The tip of the iceburg Covid 19 encouraged me to put a smile on peoples faces as well as my own. It is very rewarding.
Proud also to say that I have won many juried shows and that I teach my watercolour processes to groups.
Watercolour/Ink is now my medium of choice. I am also a Photographer/Videographer, Writer and Teacher.
I am a true immigrant success story.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Watercolour/Ink is my therapy and I need it in my life.

Rewarding to have the viewer interpret their own story from my art piece and to put a smile on their faces. Hanging at my work at Art Galleries and receiving awards is the best recognition. The monetary is just a bonus.

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

On a personal level I had quite the journey. I raised my two brothers on my own since I was twelve years old for my Mother was very ill. I became a single parent and raised my two boys on my own. Worked full time and part time in order to make ends meet. There were no choices for me, it just had to be done. I have no regret. My art career was on the back burner but always there.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Julie Eckert Artist
• Other: www.bellevilleart.ca www.gnaaa.ca