Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Martin.
Hi Julia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Upon graduating from Gateway Technical College with an Associate’s in Graphic Design and later from NKU with a Bachelor’s in Drawing in 2007, I was also awarded a grant from Kentucky Foundation for Women and used the money to start The Flying Cat as a private art studio.
I have come full circle as 2020 caused me to ground totally into The Flying Cat again as my own private art studio. I and my space have been through many variations in the years between.
The studio was used first as an artist collective and boutique full of local hand-made crafty goods from 2007-2011. We also had 1st Friday art openings for many years. After closing the collective, the space was then used for group classes including; Shamanic Journey and Yoga with Cats for 7 years, as well as hosting workshops like Tea with Cats, Chakra Workshops, Energy Healing Group Meditations, and many others. I have been a teacher of yoga, shamanic journey, dream work, and energy healing. I have and still currently facilitate energy healing for individuals.
Today I am using the space to create artwork that is then shown in several locations in the area, including; Crafts + Vines, BombCat Salon, Purple Paisley, Alchemy Aesthetics, & Roebling Books, and Coffee Locations. I am in the process of expanding my offerings and the locations they can be found.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s certainly been varying, though the through-lines have been spirituality and creativity. The struggles I’ve faced have been accepting my path regardless of what kind of income I will make and finding a way to make it work. I have always leaned on my faith and spirituality to forge ahead.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My artwork is typically vibrant and harmonious, focusing on animals, plants, and natural phenomena. I both celebrate and investigate what it means to be a being of nature, alive at a time when humanity seems so separate from creation. My work gives the viewer an opportunity for connection in a meaningful way via the color and energy evoked. My artwork has given many people a moment of joy and I hope, a deeper appreciation of nature.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
You can find my work at theflyingcat.net / etsy.com/shop/theflyingcat / patreon.com/juliacatmartin
Contact Info:
- Website: theflyingcat.net
- Instagram: instagram.com/theflyingcatdotnet
- Facebook: facebook.com/theflyingcat.net
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOj0CvfR6yYx84nM6sgpU-g
- Other: patreon.com/juliacatmartin / etsy.com/shop/theflyingcat
Image Credits
Julia Cat Martin
