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About Me

My Art

Whimsical. Fun. Light-hearted. Joyful. Colorful. All these words have been used to describe my artistic style. These same words could probably be used to define my personality also. In life, I don’t like to spend my time treading water in the deep end of the pool. I would rather splash in the puddles.

For my handbuilt pottery, I manipulate the clay by altering it into a variety of shapes and forms. I will roll out slabs, make coils, pinch balls of clay to create my pieces. Carving designs into the leather-hard clay is my favorite part of the process. My work is mostly illustrative plates, platters, and wall art. Though I am exploring creating sculptural pieces and taking on the challenge of 3-dimensional work. You might see more of that as I become more confident.

My illustrations usually begin as pencil sketches, sometimes I will develop them further into ink drawings. My subject matter is usually flora and fauna. Often what I see around me. Sometimes exotic, when I want to get away in my mind. Or whatever amuses me at the moment. Most of my work is completed digitally in a drawing program like Photoshop or Illustrator. I am learning Procreate now after watching my talented daughter create beautiful illustrations on her iPad using an Apple pencil and Procreate.

For my upcycled art, I create new works of art from recycled objects. I scour thrift shops and rummage sales for items that will become my canvas. The object’s existing pattern and shape inspire and influence my painting. I enjoy transforming what was once an unwanted item into a valued work of art.

I alter each piece using a variety of paint and textural mediums. Most of my projects are china plates, glass bottles, and vases. Though I will paint on most anything I find that inspires me. I bring the machine made back to its beautiful and imperfect human made origins.

My Story

Julie Terwelp received a BFA in graphic design along with a strong minor in surface design from East Carolina University. As her career developed, she spent all her time creating on a computer. She began to feel more like a computer coder than an artist. So after three decades, she stood up and stepped away from the computer screen. And returned to her traditional art roots by exploring illustration and pottery.

Julie’s art is good for your soul. It radiates carefree energy. Each piece expresses joy through color, pattern and texture. Her subjects dance across the surface. And the addition of patterned ornamentations reveal a passion for surface design. The result is an invitation for the viewer to join in the pursuit of happiness.

She is inspired by the works of artists like Rex Ray, Charley Harper, and Sanna Annukka. Along with the brilliant paintings of Wassily Kandinsky, Henri Matisse, and Paul Klee. She is influenced by these artists fearlessness for color, shape, and pattern.