Julia Deckman Commits to Life as an Artist + STUDIO TOUR!

Man oh man do we have a good tour for you today, and an inspiring interview. Julia Deckman is a Charleston artist who will be featured at our November Group Show Exaggerated Nature. Julia keeps a studio at the new Redux Contemporary Art Center, which is a critical part of our community - arts and otherwise. Let's just get to the good stuff right now: STUDIO TOUR!

Q: Tell us about your background as an artist.
A: I am mostly a self taught artist, the majority of my art education came in the form of elementary school  summer camps and high school art classes. I have always loved painting, ever since I was a little girl, so I finally decided to make my passion my career a few years ago. I attended CofC between 2003-2007, and fell head over heels in love with Charleston. I decided to make the Holy City my home in 2012, and its been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Q: What's it been like having a studio at Redux?
A: Being a resident artist at Redux has been life changing. I have forged several friendships and have grown my art practice into a small business I am proud of. The new space on King st is incredible, I am thankful and excited every time I walk through the doors. I absolutely love working among so many other creative people, and being part of a supportive community. I feel very fortunate to have found a home here.

Q: How you choose your subjects?
A: My first subjects were floral pieces, and I will always come back to my first love. I am obsessed with vibrant color, organic shapes, and light. Now that I have been pursuing my art career for over three years, I find more and more subjects sparking my interest. I try to pay attention to these moments of inspiration and compile them into a body of work that is cohesive, unique, and interesting. Lately, perspective and pattern has been peeking my interest, so I have been finding ways to introduce these elements into my work. I imagine my subjects will change several times throughout my life, but I know that color and light will always be a major focus. 

Q: You do commissions - what kinds of things are you painting?
A: I love completing commissions! Its a wonderful way to get to know my clients, and I love knowing the owners of my pieces. I do house/business portraits, custom floral pieces, and pet portraits. Pet portraits are probably my favorite commissions; I am OBSESSED with animals and really love capturing their sweet personalities on canvas. With the holidays around the corner, I have had several sweet pups on my easel, but am open to painting any fur baby.

Q: Tell us about a typical day.
A: My typical day is about to change! yay! For the past few years I have been juggling multiple jobs alongside my art business, but starting in January I will be a full-time creative. I will begin teaching art courses at Redux in addition to painting the days away in my studio. What these means is: there wont be a "typical" day. This is exciting, as well as a little scary, but I am so ready for this change. I have been working towards this goal for a long time, it almost doesn't feel real. But I'm sure reality will set in when I meet my future students. 

We're really proud of Julia for taking the leap into life as a full-time creative and we're very excited for the next chapter of her career. Stop by Art Mecca this weekend and see Julia's latest works, then come chat with her at the show November 3rd from 6:30 to 8:30.