Artist Spotlight: Julie Armbruster
Paintings courtesy of Julie Armbruster. “Marzipan’s Third Eye” Acrylic and ink on wood panel 24x36.
The Appalachian Preservation Project is proud to present Julie Armbruster as this week’s artist spotlight.
Tell me about your background. Who are you at your core? Why did you become an artist?
I started off thinking that I would be a teacher. My undergraduate degree is in Art Education. I tried that for a few years, but felt extremely discouraged and hated begging young people to do what I wanted to do.
I applied to graduate school and learned how to operate and maximize my studio time. I maintained some of my background but instead of spending all my energy on ideas for others, I focused on challenging myself and allowing the process to guide my work.
How long have you been painting?
I have been full time since 2009, so 14-years professionally.
Why did you begin pursuing art professionally?
It was not until I had a challenge to create an art show with original works under $100 that I found some success in selling art. One of my professors once told me that you have to make about 100 or so bad paintings until you figure some things out. This opportunity had me making about 5-10 paintings a week, so it accelerated my growth and let me understand how this could possibly be a sustainable career.
How did your travels influence your art?
“Pixie Ring” Acrylic and ink on wood panel 24x36.
I was able to spend 4 months in Venice Italy during grad school and the city influenced me greatly. I was always drawn to the narrative aspects of Renaissance paintings and loved how the city embraced art.
What is the most challenging part of creating? The most rewarding part?
The most challenging part of creating is pushing away all distractions and life responsibilities so that the process can happen. Professional artists usually have to do all of the marketing, sales, and installation for their work. This can soak up all the work time and if creation and process are not made a priority, your art studio can become more like a micro-factory of busy work instead of a place to make magic.
The most rewarding part is when the process of art making reveals to me some inner magic.
What artists inspire you the most?
The Venetian masters Titian and Bellini are my favorite, but as far as living artist, I love my neighbors in the River District , and I also love the work of Mab Graves. I try to participate in her Drawlloween challenge every October.
What life experiences inform your art?
Moving to Asheville in 2004, I was able to establish a life where I could make studio time a priority. I take inspiration for all of my life experiences, but especially motherhood, the climate crisis, and social awkwardness.
How do you hope your art impacts people?
I am always flattered when people can relate to my characters or it gives them a fresh burst of imagination. Imagination is not as treasured and exalted as much as it should be. If I can encourage more people to invest in their imaginations I think the world would be much more interesting.
What has been the most personally impactful moment in your career so far?
Taking that art show when I first moved to Asheville at a local café which forced me to work quickly and intuitively. The success of that show helped me to keep going.
Who or what inspires you most?
My daughter and my obsession with supporting and encouraging the strange, unusual, and fantastical.
See more of Julie’s work on her website!
