Julie Atkinson is a figurative painter and mixed media artist who incorporates abstract surroundings and elements into her work. Her current series ‘All Ways’ “focuses in particular on the emotional experiences of Black women. In particular, I am interested in conveying how a sense of calm, peace, and strength can exist alongside feelings of sadness, disappointment, or just a state of contemplation.” ⁠

Julie has lived throughout the Bay Area and is now settled in the East Bay with her family. “To me, the Bay Area is the kind of place where you can experience a lot of different cultures and ways of living. I think being in this environment has influenced my desire to explore these issues, including themes around living authentically and joyfully.” Using fantastical features throughout her body of work, Julie encapsulates the vulnerability and inner strength of Black women in hopes of connecting with the viewer through their own narrative. Following the nuances of a model’s pose, Julie’s emotional instinct engages while she drafts preliminary sketches and ponders what the model might be thinking through her body language. She lets her creativity flow and employs spontaneity as her action plan in the early stages of her work.⁠

2022 was a great year for Julie. She exhibited work at “The Art of the African Diaspora” exhibition presented by the Richmond Art Center and hosted her FIRST solo show in Oakland at HOUR STUDIOS!

Feature Published: July 22, 2022
Website
Instagram
Instagram Feature on @ArtSpanSF