It is with great pleasure that I introduce you this morning to one of my favourite modern day artists,
Julia Denos and her beloved black cat, Serif (Seri for short). Based in Boston, Julia’s vibrant, whimsical artistic style and imaginative expression can be found in numerous children’s books, magazines, novels and advertising campaigns. It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with the bright colours, cheerful characters and joyful feeling that her paintbrush creates — especially after reading the following interview! From her love of art, to her love of books, to an exciting
Black Cat Initiative project, Julia chats with PAWSH about it all!
1) If you were to illustrate a storybook about your life with Seri what would it be called and what would happen in it?
I always like to imagine what he’s up to when we’re out. I get little images of him reading books (knows just how to put them back before we return, so his bibliophilia goes undetected). Maybe it would be called Whiskers For Bookmarks, because I imagine he’d probably use a stray whisker to hold his place.
2) What would the colour palate of that book be and why?
Rich in color, deep dark values, very cozy, a night time book.
3) What other characters would populate the pages?
Maybe characters from the book he’s been reading? It would be funny if they were from Jane Austen or someone from classic literature.
4) When did you realize that you wanted to be an artist?
I was little. I really can’t remember, I’ve been scribbling since I was able. My mom said my first word was, “make.” I started out drawing in her journals when she was on the phone.
5) How would you say your illustration style has changed over the years?
It’s changed so rapidly, and is changing right now too. In art school I was a hyper realist with a little stylization. Now I think it’s almost 100% stylization with a pinch of reality. I worked since childhood to build pictures with lines and shadow in a classical way. I’ve slowly understood, by following what exactly I WANT to paint and draw, that rules are meant to be broken, reality is not something that is fun for me to recreate, but to focus on my expression of reality. Once I understood that it’s like a little lightbulb went off! I bought crayons, markers anything I could play with. I have almost been enjoying a rebirth of my childhood art-making spirit in the past year. Now, I push myself to lose linework when I can, lose structure if it’s just there as a crutch, and make sure my art making is honest and free. Not to say structure and realism aren’t beautiful honest things too! I just feel more challenged as a realistic-leaning artist to push myself as far as I can into expression-to play with color, texture and design in an expressive way. Designing white space rather than just inhabiting it as a piece of paper to make something look “real.”
6) How does Seri influence the energy in your studio?
He is abundantly playful, sleeps by my side, watches my hands when I sketch! He’s a very loyal very happy little guy. His tail is always swirling in that question mark way, like he’s amused. He also likes to talk a lot too — if you ask him a question he knows to vocalize back — he’s a little charmer (LOVES the ladies!!!) He’s always begging to be kissed and to kiss. Seri just fills my studio with playfulness and love.
7) What project has you most excited for 2012 (if you are able to say)?
Oooooh, well I just finished a book called Letters to Leo by Amy Hest published by Candlewick Press next year! It’s a journal full of letters from a little girl to her dog, and I created her hand-drawn art in the entries-I had a ball! I have 3-4 book ideas I’m working on, and have been ramping up new work for clients in the fashion industry.
8) What is your proudest accomplishment/favourite project to date?
My favorite project yet was probably the one I JUST finished, Letters to Leo…it was spot art (my favorite kind) and very free, yet I had to create a look for the character’s own art style. Almost like art-acting! I was also restricted to black and white, which helped me explore texture as a means of defining in place of color. It was a challenge and I loved it.
9) If Seri were an artist what do you think his style and approach would be?
He studies things quietly and closely, and then freaks out and howls when he gets excited…so maybe he starts out with careful sketches and lets loose, Pollock style.
10) Is there anything else you would like to add?
My friend and artist
Emily Goodale and I created a Black Cat initiative that we are creating art for right now (my beautiful Mac keyboard is presently covered in soot: I’ve been drawing charcoal kitties for two days!) We will be releasing a black cat series as prints to buy which will benefit two local shelters and raise awareness for the plight of the black cat in adoption centers and shelters. They are the most overlooked of the breeds, due to color: people can’t see their faces in photographs, people come in looking for stripes and spots. It’s more difficult for a black animal to be adopted, according to shelter staff. We both have had or have black cats (and other breeds of cats) but are convinced the black ones have a magical “humanness” or affection (Emily says, “absurdly affectionate”), something sweet that’s hard to put your finger on…so we want people to give them a chance. The Black Cat initiative was released yesterday on Monday, December 5th! That’s my black cat rant!
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Thank you so much to Julia and Seri for taking the time to speak with us! Be sure to visit
Julia’s website for all sorts of charming illustrations, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. And don’t forget to take a peek at the beautiful limited edition prints of the
Black Cat Initiative — one of those prints could be the ideal gift for the cat-lover in your life!
If you love your career and your pet write to us at
[email protected] and you could be the next ‘Creative Peep’ featured on PAWSH!
