In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Julia Thomson, a media artist and art educator residing in West Virginia. Julia, who received her BFA from Pratt Institute, discusses her journey as an artist whose work uniquely blends realism, abstraction, and surrealism. Her art is an exploration of the natural world, often blurring the lines between reality and dreams.
She emphasizes the importance of creativity as a way to slow down and make sense of the world, maintaining curiosity and capturing the magic in overlooked details. As an educator, Julia has a unique approach to teaching art, focusing on neurodivergent individuals, and those who have often felt disconnected from their creative impulses.
Her teaching philosophy is built on creating a gentle, pressure-free space for students to explore their creative voices without striving for perfection. Julia shared that the goal of her lessons is not to create perfect art but to help students better understand what inspires them creatively.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the concept of voice in art, the role of inclusivity in creativity, and the idea that artistic talent is less about innate ability and more about enjoying and investing in the creative process. Julia's insights into overcoming the fear of imperfection and finding joy in the act of creation remind us that art is accessible to everyone, regardless of skill or previous experience. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this episode offers valuable lessons on embracing and nurturing your creative voice.
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Connect with Julia online:
Website: https://www.juliathomson.com/
Instagram: @juliathomson.art
Find more from Jill:
Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com
Website:https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/
Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching
Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM info
Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!
