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Home > Blogs > Arts and Entertainment > Archives > 2008 > August > 15 > Entry
Oakwood artist speaks her mind
We recently ran in to Oakwood artist Julie Beyer at a Dayton Visual Arts Center Artist Palatte celebration. What’s an Artist Palate? DVAC’s Web site describes it as, “Artist Palate parties celebrate some of the finer things in life … friendship, art and food. Each party, whether held in an interesting home or artist’s studio, is a unique combination of people and activity celebrating the arts. Doors are thrown open, tables are filled, and guests are invited to experience interesting, not-often-seen places. Party themes range far and wide, but they always reflect the featured artwork and the menu.”
Julie Beyer (right) and DVAC’s Jane Black chat at DVAC’s August Artist Palatte held in Beyer’s Oakwood home.
Beyer’s work was recently showcased in her Oakwood home during a “Stratification Celebration” in which layers were the theme du jour. The food was layered and so were the whimsical, brightly colored collaged artwork done by Beyer which include paint, paper, fabric and occasionally drawings and pieces created by her kids. Also onhand was Beyers’ version of Wendy created for the Columbus-based hamburger chain by the same name.
A view of Julie Beyer’s “Wendy” and folks chatting during DVAC’s August Artist Palatte.
We took the opportunity to pick Beyer’s brain on her artwork, influences and impressions of the Dayton art scene. Here’s what we she had to say …
Q: Tell us briefly about yourself.
“I live in Oakwood with my husband Jim and our children Hank, Will, Jack, and Lydia. We also have an exchange student from France named Julien.”
Q: How would you describe your art?
“Hmmmm….that’s a good question. I think I would say it’s colorful, quirky, and happy.”
Q: Where do you get the inspiration for your work?
“When I was young, my parents and siblings were my inspiration. They are all artists of some kind. Creativity was always encouraged. Someone was always working on some kind of project. Today I’m inspired by my children’s art and the people and things I see in everyday life. I love going online and checking out art in galleries all over the world. I spend way too much time doing this … but it’s fun and I’m always impressed by what people can come up with. Looking at art is very inspirational.”
Julie Beyer’s painting entitled “Rose.”
Q: Who are your favorite artists?
“My list of favorite contemporary artists changes daily. My favorite masters are Modigliani and Picasso.”
Q: Where can folks see your art? (Do you have a Web site? Is there an upcoming show of any kind?)
“I do a lot of commissioned work so I don’t have a large inventory of paintings at any one time. I’d love to have enough paintings to have a show someday. I just need to learn to paint faster — or maybe not sleep.”
Q: We hear you created something for the Wendy’s fast food chain. Tell us about what you made, how this opportunity came about and when you’ll hear back about your submission?
“This summer Wendy’s is sponsoring a “My Wendy My Way” art contest as part of their 2008 Great Taste Tour. In each of the 22 cities Wendy’s stops for the tour, one art organization was chosen to select one artist to create a new version of the Wendy’s icon. Jane Black from the Dayton Visual Arts Center contacted me to see if I would be interested in doing this. Of course I was … and I had a lot of fun working on this project. At the end of the tour the favorite Wendy will be selected and the winning artist and art organization will each receive $25,000. I think we’ll find out in December of this year.”
Q: You dived into the Dayton art scene not all that long ago … What surprised you about the artists, opportunities and support that were out there and what advice would you have for other local aspiring artists?
“Honestly, the thing that surprised me the most was that people actually wanted to buy my art. I started painting with the intention of filling a blank space on a wall in my house. Winnie Cleavenger, a local interior designer, saw the painting and commissioned me to do a piece for one of her clients. It just kind of took off from there. I joined DVAC and that has been a great way for me to meet other local artists and stay informed about what’s going on in the local art scene.”
Q: What are you working on right now? (paintings, projects, etc.) What’s up next for you artwise?
“Always something. Can’t stop. It’s a sickness.”
Q: Tell us what it’s like when you paint.
“When I paint I’m in my laundry room. I am listening to my iPod and drinking coffee and I can hear the hum of the washing machine and dryer. There’s a mess of fabric scraps, old photos, pieces of paper and ripped up books all over the floor. I am using a palette knife or brush and acrylic or latex paint one minute — then scissors, mod podge and fabrics and paper the next. Kids are coming in and out of the room. They’re stopping to comment on what I’m doing or to make fun of my singing. Sometimes it’s chaotic sometimes quiet. I am happy. I feel lucky.”
Julie Beyer’s painting entitled “Pear.”
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Visual arts
Comments
By Mary Ann Starick
December 21, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this
Julie, This is a wonderful article and your pictures are beautiful!!!!
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