Julia X On View Gallery
I have a vague checklist of things that I look for in an artist that I show. One of those things is: do I see their personality in their work consistently? It’s not exactly as defining as a fingerprint but more of a litmus test. Something you can’t really put your finger on but it’s an impression that you get, that the work you are looking at is a reflection of the artists soul. And when an artist knows themselves creatively, that quality seems to reappear again and again.
There’s often a progression that most go through as they create. First, one learns the basics, then comes a time to try out different techniques seen from mentors, heroes or from ones environment, then a pushing of boundaries for growth, and finally mastery. This arc of learning happens and somewhere along the way you start to see the artists personality come through. A Rembrandt is a Rembrandt, a Picasso a Picasso, and yes, a Bob Ross is a happy little Bob Ross. Even if styles are switched up and boundaries are pushed, it’s never an attempt to mimic or copy or visually plagiarize another artist, it’s just a questioning of the artists world.
I came across November’s artist because of a show she did in Iowa City. I can say she is uniquely her own. And there’s oodles of personality in her work. The work is humorous, quirky and playful, and yet thoughtful, layered and fresh. Julia passes the litmus test for creatively knowing who she is with flying colors.
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Q.) For this series, what outside influences (besides visual artwork) were in your orbit?
A.)I think most outside influences in my orbit aren't visual artwork. I've never been great at remembering names or titles of things (art or otherwise) but instead much more engaged with things like comics strips in the newspapers, music, outdoor landscapes and street scenery, tv shows, injustices of various types, etc.
Q.) How would you describe the subject or elaborate on the content matter for this show?
A.) "Just Press Play" is an exhibition of work spanning the last 4 years. The thoughts and experiences that went into each piece may differ slightly, but over this time, there have been some consistencies. Things like Parks & Rec being the best show for re-watching, or walking through crunchy leaves on a crisp, glittering morning in October, or working in the service/retail industry. I've thought a lot about retail work and how much material and product is used (and often wasted) at a singular store location, mostly through packaging. I became interested in landfills and spotting them while driving by on the highway, as they form the most unnatural-looking hills. I've also thought about how to balance the heavy, unavoidable issues in the world with light humor (somewhat childish, I'm happy to admit) and hints of optimism.
Q.) What research do you do before you start creating?
A.) I don't typically do intentional research for specific projects or pieces, but I am always sketching and taking photos and writing down words and phrases – all things that I look back at when I begin new pieces.
Q.) Describe your practice/process with 5 words.
Play; vibrant; jokey; satire; listening.
A.) What's the biggest challenge you face with creating your artwork?
Making work that challenges me and isn't easily/quickly completed. And also finding a balance in terms of content, so that viewers don't feel lectured at or unchallenged, intellectually or otherwise.