Artist Profile: Julia Tourianski
By Angela Roberts
October 7, 2011
Often, we find artists for this artist profile feature because they in fact find us, approaching us through email with links or examples of their work. We love it, not only because it gives us a chance to encounter artists we might never have otherwise, but also because it means we get the chance to show off up and coming artists to the world. This is how we encountered talented artist Julia Tourianski. She sent us the intriguing painting we've displayed prominently at the top of this article, and we were so intrigued by this dark forest scene inspired by Scandinavian picture books that we had to know more. Julia was kind enough to answer a few questions and provide us some more pieces for us to showcase her art. This particular painting is entitled "Burzum".
Angela: How did you get started as an artist?
Julia Tourianski: I was born into a quite artistic family; my father always painted. I completed my first oil painting when I was 13 and couldn't stop after that.
A: What is your preferred medium? Is there a medium you've always wanted to try or that you would like to try but haven't gotten around to it?
J: I mostly work in Oil paint but I also love photography, watercolor, ink and printmaking. I've experimented with almost every medium except Tempera.
A: What are your influences?
J: My main influences are my father, Magritte, John Bauer, David, Goya, Renoir, I can go on forever! And the old masters, of course. (Michaelangelo, da Vinci, Bernini.)
A: Do you have a favourite piece of artwork? One that you still look at and think, "This is amazing"?
J: I can't say I have a favorite artwork that I've done. One of my favorites is 'Barnum & Bailey'. It's the eerie photo of a covered face that resembles a "freak" from those old freak shows they had in the 20s. It's not a painting, yet I love the concept and how the photo turned out! I am most proud of my 'Manchester Madonna Revised.' It's about 6 feet, and an ode to Michaelangelo's original. I am very technically happy with it. I also like my 'Bums & Legs' and 'Champaigne Pools" since it's a lot more fluid and expressive than what I usually do.
A: Can you tell us about your first professional sale? How did it come about?
J: I do not sell my work. I've been offered but, for me, it's too difficult to give up work so I always deny [the requests]. Maybe someday!
A: Do you get ideas from texts or just from your imagination?
J: I get inspired by my own ideas and imagination. In fact, I also love writing and I find that I use my artwork to inspire my written stories, not the other way around.
A: Do you have any advice for new or young artists?
J: If I can give any advice, it's that new artists need to work hard. If you're not lucky enough to have been born with a knack for painting or drawing, you need to work even harder. Start with drawing the world around you as it is and then work your way to abstraction or expression, not the other way around.
A: Can you tell us anything about your current projects?
J: I have no current projects right now, but I do wish to embark on a new, large painting over Christmas! It may be a self portrait!
Some more of Julia's work:
Barnum & Bailey
Manchester Madonna Revised
Fruit Witch
To see more of her work, visit her portfolio.