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Julie Routley ARPS
Interview with the artist
What is your favourite media and why?
I now prefer working in digital, I say now as I swore blind I would never give up my faithful Bronica! The technical advances and quality of digital have finally convinced me to swap. I use a Canon G9, Canon 30D with 28-135mm ISM lens and sometimes my Bronica 6x4.5.
I print all my pictures on an Epson 3800. A wonderful machine with archival quality prints.
When and where did you first exhibit your work?
My first real exhibition, forgetting student shows for a minute, was at the wonderful Watershed Gallery in Bristol. I approached them purely out of interest and after a portfolio viewing they exhibited my work for me. I was so thrilled and proud to see my pictures in a 'real' gallery and am indebted to them for giving me that opportunity.
The exhibition consisted of a series of hand printed black and white images called 'Anima Motrix' which translates loosly as 'moving spirit'. The theme was the hidden faces and spirits of nature as revealed by the act of symmetry. I photographed the elements of clouds- for air, Water, Wood and rock. The images and faces that were revealed by this process were quite staggering and very eerie.
Do you find art relaxing?
When a picture is coming together well and the computer doesn't decide to punish your efforts with crashing, creating digital art is a pleasure. When making a picture my world is filled with colours, layers, flowers and pictorial emotions, time seems to stand still and I drift off into a realm of pure emotion.
What is the best tip you can offer budding artists?
I feel I am still budding myself! Although my best tip would be to write down your ideas, carry a notepad and a camera with you at all times. It's amazing how flashes of inspiration can come to you at the most awkard or inopportune times!!
Also experimenting, don't stick to the rules as rules are made to be broken. read as many books as you can, try things out and be yourself.
How long does it usually take you to complete an artwork?
From conception to completion it really depends I still have some ideas that I have had for a lifetime but haven't realized. I am forever experimenting and never post anything for sale unless 100% satisfied.
A large work can take weeks. I find it is best to take a lot of breaks from making an image. Leaving it then coming back to it later is invaluable as glaring mistakes get blurred if you stare at am image for too long!
Do you have a favourite amongst your own artwork?
Every image is different so depending on my mood my favourite changes. I particularly like 'Sleeping Beauty' This image took a very long time to create. I love mixing words and images together.
I also adore the dandelion pictures, perfection in nature.
How would you define Art?
This is a tricky question. Art to me in a nutshell means something that excites the senses. Art is a mood, a moment that you recall, a feeling that is good, an image that calms or excites, something that you can look at and see something new every time, as "they" say Art is in the eye of the beholder there is no right or wrong, we are all individuals and art means many different things to many different people. If my images touch you somewhere deep down I have succeeded.
Is photography art?
It certainly can be, I use my camera as my pallette of colours and my computer as my canvas. I have spent years experimenting and learning the skills to produce work which I feel really expresses my creative ideas and I am still learning :)
Do you display your own art at home?
I have my art everywhere, sometimes because I love it and sometimes because I don't have the space to store it so hanging it on the wall seems logical! I love to change the pictures around and create new artwork for different rooms in the house. New artworks go up all the time, much to the dismay of my partner who is best at banging picture hooks into the walls!
When did you first start?
I had my first camera when I was at primary school and joined my first camera club aged 12! I remember my first picture was of a snowman and I still have it :)
What do you like least about being an artist?
Not having enough time! I work full time in an office to pay the mortgage and it's very frustrating! One day will jack it all in and concentrate on my art... watch this space it may be a long time!
What do you like best about being an artist?
I have so many ideas!
If your artwork could be displayed anywhere in the world where would you choose?
New York or London..... one of my bucket list things to have acheived :)
What is the best thing somebody could say about your art?
I received it safely and am over the moon!
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