Artist of the Month February 2008

Julie Vinette

Marblehead, MA

Julie Vinette received a BFA with University Honors from Carnegie Mellon University in 1993. Notably, her abstract paintings and mixed media drawings have been recognized in New Art ’07 at Kingston Gallery by Nato Thompson, curator at Creative Time in New York, and Carole Anne Meehan, Curator of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston in the 14th Annual Juried Show at the Essex Art Center. In addition, Ms. Vinette is a Corporate Program Lending Artist at the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, in Lincoln Massachusetts.

How and when did you start creating art?

I have been creating art for as long as I can remember. Generally, I have never been able to separate everyday life and art.

What media and genres do you work in?

I have always been interested in different processes and have experimented with all types of printmaking, clay, wood, encaustic, oil, acrylic and pencil. Currently, I am using oil, stickers, paper, beeswax and wood. My work is abstract and conceptual; it has been called ‘hazily representational’.

Who or what are your influences?

I am mesmerized by Andy Goldsworthy’s installations, the textures of Cy Twombly and Joan Mitchell and the raw energy of Cecily Brown and Peter Doig. Most recently, I have been excited by Spencer Finch’s work. These influences fuel my passion for art and inspire me to continue to follow my path as an artist.

The Likelihood of Rain began as a penciled grid and a bar graph. This ‘organized ground’ was then glossed over with horizontal bands of color. It is most inspired by the paint itself and my intent to capture fleeting instances in memory with color and shape.

Describe your creative process?

I spend a lot of time observing my surroundings!! I attempt to record the things that aren’t obvious. I think that is why my work has to be abstract. My current process involves thinned paint interacting with other translucent layers; wet layers ooze, drip and separate as they dry. I collaborate with time, chemicals and gravity to achieve luminous color layers that suggest the unpredictable element of time.

What are you working on currently?

I tend to work on many things at once. I am finishing a few oil paintings that use silhouettes from old Playboy Magazines, stickers and grids. I have a few large drawings that use hexagons as a ground with origami paper and watercolor washes. Finally, I have just begun 3-d pieces that use grids on plaster (and/or cement) and beeswax.

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

Near: Completing new work and producing exhibits that are even better than last year. Long term: Gallery representation in the Midwest and West Coasts: to expand my exposure.

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?

Boston: Atlantic Works Gallery, 80 Border Street, East Boston, http://atlanticworks.org Boston: Artist’s Studio, 450 Harrison Avenue #213, Open 5-9 on First Fridays, or by appointment New York: The Atlantic Gallery, 135 W. 29th Street, http://www.atlanticgallery.org Online: www.julievinette.com