Artist Profile — Julia Mechielsen
The practice of emerging Meanjin / Brisbane-based artist, Julia Mechielsen, is marked by her distinctive use of geometric shapes, abstract lines and vivid colour schemes.
Drawing on broad influences, from motherhood, to Josef and Anni Albers and the ‘Colour Theory’, to fashion, to nature, to design —with a particular affinity for and interest in interiors and the way interiors affect our consciousness — Julia’s works are at once abstract, realised, considered, impulsive, bold and soft.
“I enjoy the process of watching one colour change as I lay down its neighbouring colour, which can sometimes create fun challenges. I am drawn to natural energy within my work, so I choose to hand-draw each pattern without a ruler. I find it also creates a sense of innocence as part of the overall effect of my work.
I think this instinct is a natural side-effect of my head being firmly in baby-land for the last year or so. I started painting after I left my role at an Interior Design studio to give birth to my son. I started painting as a form of meditation, as a way to help me de-stress during this challenging time of my life, and to nurture my creative side.
This collection of works — titled ‘Bloom’ — is about exploration and enjoyment of colour and shapes. Within each work, there is a focus on thin, delicate background layers to symbolise the fragility of flowers. The colour palette is representative of a wild flower meadow.” - Julia Mechielsen
