Describe your style:
Graphic and flat.
Tell us a little bit about the pieces and the inspiration behind them:
All of the characters I create are set to fit within stories or situations. I don’t really give them a lot of personality beyond that specific environment and how they are acting within it. I tend to think of the situation or environment first and then place the
character within it… Squeeze is about a girl that found a bird, decided to keep it, and then loved it a little too much. All Mine is about a Queen and being quite precocious… I suppose ruling the things within your own world. Veggie Hair has hair like the top of an onion :)
What’s the first picture you can remember drawing as a child?
A picture of a shopfront – with lots of items in the window. I also used to draw with chalk on our driveway. I was obsessed with fingers and toes… I would give them 10 toes on each foot.
What was your first job?
I worked at a craft shop, and was subsequently fired when I shaved part of my hair off.
What tools do you use when creating a piece of art?
Pencils, acrylic paint and a computer.
What’s your process in creating a piece of art?
I always sketch first, then either paint based on that – or take the drawing onto the computer and work from there.
Where does your obsession with birds and bees stem from – what do they mean in your work? Is it a sexual reference?!
No, I don’t think its sexual necessarily, though a lot of things in my work are. I think they just represent the natural world to me. People cohabiting with all the other beings on the planet. Birds and bees just happen to be my favorite.
What things have you seen recently that have or are going to inspire a piece of art?
I am often inspired by food, or peoples relationship with food. For some reason I compare people with vegetables and other animals a lot.
What’s the most unusual canvas you’ve painted on?
I used to draw on top of old photographs and found objects.
What is your favorite color?
Olive green.
What’s the best compliment or most extreme reaction you’ve had to your art?
A few people have had my art tattooed onto them – which I take as a massive compliment! You’d have to REALLY like something to wear it forever.
If your art was music, what would it sound like?
Something french, maybe with a bit of Polka.
What music is rotating on your iPod?
A lot of electronic – I am a fan of music that helps you drone out to what you are doing.
Who are three artists whose work you collect and/or love?
Tim Biskup, Rex Box and Peskimo.
Can you describe your computer:
I have a 24 inch iMac at the studio and an old Mac Mini at home. Both are really sad, messy, and disorganised. I occasionally try to have a sort out, but there is too much so it all ends up in folders that say “FILE ME.” That said, I am quite good at organising client work :)
What websites do you check out regularly?
Facebook, HumHum and Flickr.
If you had to design yourself a tattoo what would it be and where?
I am working on that. I want a big one on my back… I just cant decide of what. It changes so much it leads me to believe it would be a bad idea. I quite like the idea of a tree at the moment.
What are your most treasured possessions?
Unfortunately everything. I attach too much to objects. Perhaps at the moment I would pick my collection of tiny framed prints by friends.
What are your vices/guilty pleasures?
Coffee!!!!! And red wine. Also, I like naps, but never had time for them. Oh – and I quite like reading the trashy magazines that are in the hair dressers waiting room.
Could you share something about yourself that makes you blush:
My appalling cooking. I try and try, and am embarrassed anytime someone has to eat it.
If you had to change careers, what would be next?
I have no idea! Possibly graphic design? I am not really good at anything else! If I could retrain, perhaps printmaking.
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
My toys Bumble and Tweet are set to be released very, very soon, and I have quite a few shows lined up for next year that I am excited about :)
Julie West
