Julia Smith is our Featured Artist!
Julia Smith has invented a whole new genre of "News Art." Learn how current events influence the works of this talented artist!
CommitmentNow.com: You are a self-defined "news junky" and refer to your work as "News Art." How do current events and the news impact your art?
Julia Smith: I discover myself and humanity through world events told via the news media. Only I translate to canvas an unexpected interpretation of news stories some may find as negative, grey or depressing into high energy, bold shapes, colors, movement. Acting as a filter or an acute lens, I express the pure collective moments when the potential of humanity shine through brightly displaying strength and courage in the face of adversity. The shades of "grey" and dark view of the world is shown in colorful and complex interpretations as I offer another perspective, turning sometime dreary news events into a multi-dimensional bright, bold colors and shapes.in other words, expressions of Love. After all, the News' stories are a collection of stories told through the filter of the networks, anchors and hosts about our collective energy as a human race. For me, this is my journey of shedding my own fears along side of the people sharing their personal stories, expressing my curiosity to know the world and my desire to make a difference. Through my own personal transformation, I intrinsically led to inspire others to find my purpose in sharing with others my new style of art, News Art.
CommitmentNow.com: You may be the only artist to have created a colorful painting of Glenn Beck! What are some news events that have inspired your paintings?
Julia: You are probably right, I am the only artist who painted a Glenn Beck painting!
The headline news stories including but not limited to President Obama's Inauguration Speech, the Economic Stimulus Package, Miracle on the Hudson, Kaylee Anthony's Case, Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) Award Presentation and the Oscars, also focused collections on my favorite news hosts and anchors including CNN's Larry King, Lou Dobbs, Anderson Cooper, Nancy Grace and Fox News' Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly.
CommitmentNow.com: How would you describe your art work?
Julia: My collection, called News Art Genre, tells a human and spiritual tale of the triumph of love, hope, and faith from the stories we hear about in the news media. Transmitting an unusual interpretation of the news story to canvas, I give perspective of these stories filtering out the "negative grey" thus translating to canvas the vibrant colors, shapes and vibrations of our collective energy. My style offers a universal truth of our connectedness as a people but ultimately leaves the viewer left to their own interpretation.
CommitmentNow.com: When did you first start painting?
Julia: I first started to paint when I was 9 years old. I was formally trained in Ukraine's Art Preparatory Schools and the College of Fine Arts in Russia.
CommitmentNow.com: You grew up in Ukraine. How has your childhood influenced your art?
Julia: I had a very happy childhood, and I guess, the brightness and happiness of my Art now are coming from that time, from the very beginning. The goodness base that was built in from the very foundation was too strong, and that is how now I am able to serve as a positive and strong filter.
CommitmentNow.com: How has your art evolved over the years?
Julia: My art style changed shortly after the impact the events of 9-11 had on many Americans. Unknowingly and unconsciously, the energy of my canvas began taking new shapes, moving from ocean and still-life scenes to abstract shapes and bold colors.
CommitmentNow.com: Where can we learn more about your art?
Julia: You can learn more about News Art Genre and me. from my website, www.newsartgenre.com. You can also email me at Julia@newsartgenre.com.
