Our community of artists is the core foundation of Artfinder. With such a vast community based in all corners of the world, we wanted to help them share more about their artist journey, their artistic process and technique and what inspires them. Today, we chat with one of our amazing painters, Julia Rigby.
Can you introduce yourself, where you are from and how long you have been with Artfinder for?
I am a self taught artist, living in Cambridgeshire UK. I have been with Artfinder since 2015.
How would you describe your work?
I am always striving to create something new and original in my work. I work from my own photographs and experiences of different places. I love colour and am not afraid to mix different techniques and media in my work.
What influences you and your work?
I love travelling around the UK and this is where I find most of my inspiration. I regularly holiday in the Scottish Highlands as well as Cornwall and Devon and North Yorkshire. I live in Cambridgeshire but can find inspiration for my work pretty much anywhere!
What does your creative process involve?
It often starts with a combination of colours or a view or a specific place and a feeling. I then start to think about how to create the essence of that inspiration. I play around with techniques - never straying far from the original idea or starting point. Through experimentation and trial and error - something seems to evolve. I don't like to labour a work. I find speed and focus are the key to capturing the thing that I set out to create.
Have you changed as an artist overtime?
I am much more confident to trust myself. I create something that makes me feel good and I put it out there. If I am happy - the work is complete. If other people like it - all well and good. If not then it really does not matter. I make art for myself primarily.
What’s your favourite artwork you created and why?
My favourite artworks always relate to a specific memory and these are the artworks that you won't find for sale in my shop. For instance I spent a day with my eldest son in London. We watched the pelicans in St James Park. It was a wonderful day. So many beautiful colours of the birds and the parks. I came home and created a painting of that day. It is framed and mounted and hanging in our hall. In the back of the painting is a message to my eldest son to thank him for that day and to tell him that the painting is his.
What do you think is the role of art/artists in society?
To make us think. To see the world through another's eyes. To create an emotive response.
What advice do you have for emerging artists looking to make a living out of their art career?
Just do it because you love it. No other reason.
Cover image via Julia Rigby
