Artist of the month – Julie VonDerVellen


Our Might artist of the month is paper sculptor and weaver Julie VonDerVellen whose delicate and meditative works mirror the wonders of nature and the on a regular basis.

Julie VonDerVellen

“Once I began working with it, I didn’t see very many individuals exploring the (paper) medium however now it appears to be a completely new profession path for artists.

The place do you make your work?

My dwell/work studio area is in Milwaukee, WI. I moved all the pieces into my residence through the pandemic and it’s been great to have all the pieces accessible always of the day.

How lengthy have you ever been working with paper?

Paper has been my medium of alternative for about 12 years. I started experimenting with it whereas I used to be in graduate faculty on the College of Wisconsin-Madison after taking an artists’ books course. I loved the tactile nature of the fabric and as a graphic designer, it impressed me to dedicate extra of my studio time away from the pc. I additionally enrolled within the handmade paper course and made all of the paper for my thesis exhibition from recycled cotton materials. It’s a laborious course of, however I completely beloved it.

How would you describe your strategy to paper artwork?

Exploratory. Curious. Once I begin a sculptural piece, I strategy the undertaking with an inquisitiveness — making an attempt to comply with, “I’m wondering if I could make this out of paper?” or, “what occurs if …” mindset. I by no means know precisely how I’m going to make the article, however every step informs the following. The issue-solving and engineering course of is probably the most satisfying side. I get excited for the ah-ha studying moments that at all times appear to happen.

Whereas engaged on summary weavings and textile-inspired works, I attempt to be very calm and affected person. The approach I take advantage of requires many hours of sitting and weaving the 1/8” strips of paper with the assistance of a stitching needle. It has at all times been my time to mirror or meditate on occasions which are taking place in my life.

The place do you discover inspiration?

I discover inspiration for my work by journey, nature, books, and private experiences working in artwork training. I’m fortunate to dwell subsequent to Lake Michigan and be capable of take walks by the state parks right here. The colours of the water and surrounding landscapes appear to seek out their means into my mushy pastel shade palettes. I additionally love working with recycled books and their supplies. Conceptually, my work has an underlying emphasis on narrative and storytelling, and due to this fact the ebook artifacts assist to seize these sentiments.

Describe your work to us in three phrases:

Intelligent. Alluring. Shocking.

What are your favourite papers to work with?

I work primarily with Hanji paper. It’s Korean handmade paper created from mulberry tree bark. I like the flexibility of that materials, how properly it absorbs paint, and the flexibility to sculpt or weave with it. I extremely advocate it!

What instrument might you not dwell with out?

I work with only a few instruments. “Go-to” provides embody my straightedge, purple painter’s tape, knives, reducing mat, needle, and PVA glue.

What’s the neatest thing about working with paper as a medium?

The most effective factor about working with paper is that there are infinite prospects. So many artists are pushing the boundaries of what will be created. Once I began working with it, I didn’t see very many individuals exploring the medium however now it appears to be a completely new profession path for artists. It’s nice to observe the improvements within the business and the way it’s influenced curriculum for highschool and college-level artwork programs in addition to model design and advertising campaigns.

What are you engaged on in the meanwhile?

I’m making an attempt to have enjoyable in my studio and have been engaged on some new sculptural and smaller 2D woven items. I’m additionally getting ready for an upcoming exhibition on the Saint Kate Arts Lodge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It opens Might twentieth and I am actually trying ahead to it!

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