Interview With Surrealist Artist James Julier

Professional Artist and Art Teacher Talks About His Organic Approach

Jul 3, 2008

Stockport born artist and teacher James Julier discusses his work and gives advice for emerging artists to improve their skills with a focus on a back-to-basics approach.

SW: What is the main driving force and inspiration behind your art?

JJ: Creatively I have always found nature itself my biggest inspiration. Both aesthetically and spiritually, nature has always appealed more to me than any man-made convention in either field; most of my artistic lessons have been drawn directly from close observation and study of organic material itself.

I have strong beliefs about the importance of nature, that it should not just to be treated with respect because of our reliance upon its continued good health (which is a strong enough reason to be mindful in itself), but also as a force that represents something far deeper psychologically.

We are fundamentally a product of nature, not just physically, but also psychologically and because of this I can see no other way that we can be mentally and emotionally healthy, unless we are in harmony and have a sensitivity to the natural processes that fashion us.

This belief has always been with me, even if initially less clearly articulated, and is present even in my earliest works through a strong organic element.

SW: Do you think that having an artistic community like the Vernon Mills Studio that you are a member of is important for someone with artistic goals?

JJ: I think that as an artist emerging in the modern day, especially in this country, having a link to other creative people can be a vital lifeline that can encourage and help nurture talent. Without a social network like a studio group it can be very difficult to organise exhibitions as an individual artist and get the exposure for your work necessary to begin building a career in art.

SW: For aspiring artists, what would you say were five key things that they could do to improve their art?

SW: As a young artist, what is your opinion on the current art market, and how would you like to see it change?

JJ: I am greatly disillusioned with the contemporary art market. Much of modern art seems to be about how the person peddling the art can benefit rather than a genuine interest in the art itself. Likewise critical approval depends largely upon the career agendas and self-interest of the art critic themselves.

Art exhibitions as a result seem to provoke and inspire a headache with viewing public (rather than aesthetic and artistic rapture), as art moves increasingly towards gimmick and shock value to facilitate easier marketing.

SW: Are you currently working on any new material? If so please tell us a little bit about it

JJ: My belief in a need to harmonise with nature has been at the root of my work in the past and indeed is foremost in my mind at present too.

I think that much of science and technology has at its heart a fundamental fear and mistrust of the natural processes of the universe. We cannot underestimate the impact that old biblical notions of nature as evil still has upon our modern-day psyche. We may feel we have advanced beyond such old mythological conventions but the whole flavour of science and technology for the modern world still has its roots in old belief systems that regard man and nature as somehow separate.

This has resulted in a technology that damages the planet and our environment rather than treating it as sacred and worthy of respect. My efforts are directed into creating an aesthetic that incorporates nature and technology, where the line is blurred between the two, fusing it into one form.

My creative impulse in the past has been to create totally organic images that push out all trace of man made forms, but I now have a new vision; rather than abandoning technology, it needs to be sublimated, beautified and made to serve the agenda of harmonisation with nature. My new agenda is to build a vision of a future where mans creations/technologies burst forth as the ultimate achievement, the flower and crowning glory of natures efforts on the planet. Everything starts with vision. This is one aspect of mine!

James can be contacted through his personal gallery page where you can see more of his work and even purchase some prints.

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