Check Out Julie Martin’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Martin.

Hi Julie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a contemporary artist living in Northeast Ohio with a background in graphic design from The Colorado Institute of Art. Originally from Denver, Colorado I also pursued a passion of painting while working as a graphic designer first in Chicago, then Akron and Strongsville, Ohio. By rearranging pieces of realistic images using a variety of mediums, I create new fragmented artworks somewhere between figurative and abstraction. Career highlights are participating in The Other Art Fair Chicago events, a duo shared exhibit show at Trumbull Art Gallery, and being accepted into juried art exhibitions from The Butler Institute of American Art, The Ohio State Fair Professional Art Division to The Riffe Gallery in Columbus.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
After graduating from art school I moved to Chicago to pursue a graphic design career. It was a struggle making ends meet on a new designer salary. But I loved living in a big creative city.

Later when I had small children (my son was 2 when I had twin daughters), I didn’t work outside the home. I had 3 in diapers! They deserved my attention. I get very focused when creating and didn’t want to feel angry or upset when I couldn’t work on my art, or had to stop to make dinner. I used my creativity making lots of clothing and costumes for them. I was a room mother, Brownie Girl Scout leader, along with creative cooking and growing a nice garden. I actually feel lucky that my husband was working and I could stay home during that time. Taking a break from painting wasn’t great, but it was worth it. I got back into it gradually including graphic design.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In my creative process, I find inspiration in images that evoke mystery and emotion. The way I move and arrange the pieces is particularly intriguing, as the tangents they create generate tension, while their alignment next to each other produces interesting effects.
The act of placing two or more slices side by side to compare or contrast plays a crucial role in my work. It allows me to compose contemporary artworks that offer a fresh perspective on traditional references. Instead of painting first and then cutting up the canvas, I prefer to work with rearranged slices, whether in print or digital form, as my reference. This approach presents me with the thrilling challenge of painting or drawing and witnessing the final project come together as a completely new visual composition.
By adopting a defined fragmented style in varied mediums, I aim to create artwork that is not only visually appealing but also uniquely compelling, as it becomes a reflection of an artistic vision that is truly my own.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’ve had a difficult time finding graphic design mentors. Working at small firms, freelance design or competitive design projects makes for less mentoring and only more competition. There are design networking groups out there, but I didn’t join in them. I think I always felt too busy in life after a day at work, which isn’t a good excuse.
Once I’ve switched to focusing only on fine art, I find there’s more groups out there to relate to probably because of social media and finding other artists that way. There are community creative groups that are available to join. I have a little hermit behavior that isn’t the best at networking. By entering art shows, and seeing some of the same artists again and again, they become like minded “friends” that help to discuss things with. It’s mostly a support system.

There are art groups with events that help to get involved.
When I first moved to Northeast Ohio I joined Random Acts of Artists out of Sharon, PA., which is nearby. That group has been a stepping stone to other events. Having The Butler Institute of American Art nearby is a plus. I’ve entered exhibitions there and met other artists that way. Checking out gallery and community art calls helps to get involved.
Again, that is on social media.

Pricing:

• • Location (example-Chicago vs Youngstown)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://juliemartincreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie_martin_art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julie.derby.90