It is with great pleasure that this week I get to feature the fantastical Julia Hansford. I first became aware of Julia’s artwork at An Artist’s AfFair. I probably stopped to look at her booth about five times that day. Her paintings depicted everything from sweet innocent wide-eyed bunnies to pieces with dark a edge featuring flies walking eerily along a keyboard. She is definitely an artist that cannot be pigeon-holed with her wide range of work. I was astonished to learn this young budding artist has only been seriously painting for about two years.
It has been a treat to see Julia at The Met and check out her new creations each week. Recently I met Julia down at The Met to chat about her work and her time at the new artisan’s market.
Q: Do you have a background in art, and do you see this spawning into a full-fledged career for yourself?
J: I have graduated the Fashion Design and Graphic Design Programs at Fanshawe College and I have been painting as my full time career since May 2011.
Two years ago I had an assignment in my creative concepts class that entailed doing a painting depicting life and death. After it was finished my teacher asked me how much money he would need to give me to own my painting. It was very overwhelming to think that anyone would pay money to have my art; I have been selling it ever since.
Q: Where do you come up with ideas for your paintings? You have everything from cute bunnies that could go well in a nursery to music inspired pieces to the very dark and macabre. There is such a range, yet is all distinctly your style.
J: I am often asked what my inspiration is and the truth is I have no idea. I paint from my imagination; I try to do minimal research on the subjects of my pieces so that it is purely my style. I usually start out painting a background and then just see where my imagination takes me. I definitely do have a wide range of light and dark paintings which reflects my personality.
I'm a true believer in the quote, "In order for the light to shine, the darkness must be present." I am someone who can watch a Disney movie and then follow it up with a documentary on serial killers.
Q: How has The Met been treating you? Has it opened up your work to a larger clientele?
The Met has been an incredible opportunity for me. I cannot believe how much support I have gotten as a new artist from the London community. Not only do I make sales and take orders, but I have also had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people who have so many kind words and encouragement which I appreciate more than they will know. Through The Met I have had many doors opened for me. My style is becoming known throughout London which is very exciting for me. The Met is making it easier to live my dream of working full time doing what I love.
I know I have also spotted your work in other places around London, like Gigs Grillhouse. Is there anywhere else where Londoners may see your pieces?
J: My paintings are at Gigs, The London Music Club and I will be artist of the month at Williams on Southdale and Wonderland for the month of October. I also participate in Art Fusion and different local festivals throughout the year.
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Be sure to keep your peepers peeled on this inspiring painter. And lucky for you, you can catch her most weekends down at The Met! You can also check out Julia’s website here.
I will see you all soon at The Met!
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