Julia Northrup is an artist based in Tuscon, Arizona. Her art allows her to explore her Hopi heritage and connect with her ancestry. Read on to learn more about her artistic journey and see some her mesmerizing paintings.
Where are you from and where do you currently reside?
I’m from Long Beach, CA, but I’ve lived in Tucson, AZ since I was a teenager so I consider it home.
What drew you to become an artist and what type of art do you most enjoy doing?
My maternal family is full of Hopi artists and I grew up around them painting, kachina doll carving, throwing pottery, silversmithing, etc. As a child, I remember being so mesmerized by their creations and thinking, “Wow, I wish I could do that!”
How would you describe your style?
Realism, for sure. But now I’m exploring more expressive elements.
What has kept you engaged and committed to your craft over the years?
Admittedly, I don’t think I have been as engaged as I should be. I’m at a stage in my life where I want to explore my Hopi heritage through my art, so I think my desire to connect with that part of my ancestry helps engage me with my craft more than it would if I were doing it for just, say, commissions.
How have you grown as an artist in the past five years and what are the major contributing factors to your growth?
I’ve been trying to find my artistic “voice” as an artist and, while I’ve gotten closer to discovery, I don’t think I have had my Eureka moment yet. As a realism artist, I’ve spent a lot of time studying light and making sure I render just so. Now that I have a grasp of the basics, I’m challenging myself to become more expressive and break the rules I created for myself. It’s funny how difficult it is!
What materials do you most commonly use?
My materials are pretty traditional depending on the medium, eg., oil and canvas using a brush, pastel/charcoal on paper using pencil/applicator/chamois, etc.
Can you describe some of your favorite pieces you’ve worked on?
One of my friends commissioned me for a piece of a mockingbird. Her husband’s late mother was very fond of them, so whenever he sees one, he believes it’s his mother saying “hi”. She took a video of him opening his present and he burst into tears when he saw that I had titled the piece “A Mother’s Messenger”
Do you have any advice for up-and-coming artists? Are there any tips or techniques you can offer?
Ha, I still feel that I’m an up-and-comer, but I would advise them to surround themselves with other artists and welcome criticism.
What are your website and social media links?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c0u7ur3
