Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Whitworth
Hi Julia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was fortunate enough to have a childhood that emphasized the importance of the arts. However, after college, I dove straight into the corporate world and quickly realized the creative outlet that was once so important to me had all but disappeared. It wasn’t until the chaos of the pandemic hit that I fully recognized the importance of self-expression. So, on New Year’s Day 2021, I picked up a paintbrush and started to paint. I became lost in the beauty of the canvas and the colors at my fingertips, and time seemed to slip away.That evening, as I stared at the abstract painting I had created, I realized that it was a mirror of my emotions. Since then, I have sold out several collections of abstract paintings and have incredible collectors from New York to California and, of course, right here in Memphis, TN. I recently moved back to Memphis after living in Chattanooga, TN the last 10 years and i could not be more excited to be back in the 901.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
After I an art expedition to the West Coast, I found myself wondering what to do next. The experience had been so incredible that I felt overwhelmed by the thought of trying to top it. For a while, I struggled with self-doubt and hesitated to start a new collection. But then, I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone by trying something completely different – painting Christmas ornaments. To my delight, the collection sold out immediately (and have continued to be a cherished collection each year). Encouraged by this success, I decided to keep experimenting and challenging myself without getting bogged down by the pressure of creating my “next big thing.” So, I began a 100-day painting challenge, creating a 5×7 mini painting every day. It was truly hard work but I grew so much from that journey both spiritually and with my art. Through this process, I’ve come to realize that the key to overcoming doubt and hesitation is to keep moving forward, even when the creative process is difficult or uninspired.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My specialty is large abstract and landscape artwork, in home murals, and live paintings for events. I also offer art workshops for adults or children to relax and create their own work of art to take home with them.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
As a child I remember having a big personality. Singing, painting, drawing, acting – I did it all and loved every second of it. Shout out to St. Agnes Academy for instilling an appreciation of the arts at such an early age. I wasn’t the best at school but I loved being creative; I think my teachers recognized that and always helped me overcome the hurdles. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful to my teachers at St. Agnes for recognizing my passions and giving me the opportunities to explore my interests over the years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://juliawhitworth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliawhitworth.art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliawhitwortharts
