Interview

Oct 5

Juliana Juice

Juliana Juice is an Interior Architect, Designer, and Photographer based in Italy. Her journey in the world of design and visual art began at a young age when a profound passion for both photography and illustrations ignited a lifelong creative spark. After completing high school, she earned an architectural degree from the Polytechnic of Turin, Italy. Subsequently, she embarked on an enriching six-year sojourn in the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, Japan. During this transformative period, she pursued a master's degree from the Tokyo Institute of Technology. This period coincided with the dawn of the digital camera revolution, an era that would forever alter the landscape of photography -an unexpected and thrilling turn!

She was fortunate to be in Tokyo at precisely the right moment, poised to witness the convergence of technology and art. As she pursued her master's degree at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and immersed herself in the vibrant culture of Japan, the world of photography opened its doors. The rapid evolution of digital cameras and imaging technology became the backdrop to her burgeoning passion for photography. She embraced this exciting era, eagerly learning and experimenting with this groundbreaking medium. Upon returning to Italy, Juliana made Milan her home and, alongside her husband, established her own interior design practice. However, amid the bustling world of design, her lifelong passion for photography remained an unwavering force. She explored various photographic genres, from capturing the dynamic energy of sports to the serene beauty of landscapes and the candid moments of street photography. Yet, over time, Juliana discovered her true calling in portrait photography. The art of capturing the essence of individuals through the lens became her enduring fascination and a central focus of her artistic expression.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“From a young age, I've been captivated by images, and they've consistently fueled my creative inspiration. Whether it was sketching, crafting, or even making marionettes, images have always been my creative starting point. My educational journey led me to the Polytechnic of Turin, where I pursued a degree in architecture. I chose this path to bring together my diverse interests into a single expressive field. Architecture provided a good canvas for integrating various artistic pursuits, such as illustration and graphic design, into my work. After completing my degree, I embarked on a transformative chapter in Tokyo, Japan, alongside my then-boyfriend, now my beloved husband. Those six years left an indelible mark on me. While gaining valuable experience in diverse architectural projects, I also found myself immersed in the emerging era of digital photography, a fortuitous turn of events that ignited my passion for the medium. Through self-guided learning and experimentation, I explored various photography forms, spanning from landscapes to sports. Over time, I uncovered a special affinity for portrait photography. The power to capture individuals' essence and reveal their unique stories through the lens became my ultimate creative calling.”

What inspires you?

“Living beings, especially people, are an endless source of inspiration for me. Whether it's their looks or their actions, individuals naturally drive me to highlight their uniqueness. The satisfaction I derive from this process is beyond measure, especially when my subjects are delighted with the results. Besides people, there is music. It's always been a significant passion of mine. Interestingly, it's the one creative thing I've deliberately avoided delving into personally. Perhaps it's because I prefer not to demystify its mystery, fearing to lose it as my best favorite source of inspiration.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“Answering this question isn't a straightforward task, but if we consider the considerable time I devote to the editing process, we could argue that my work centers around the theme of contemplation. After a photo shoot, I spend a substantial amount of time carefully going through all the images I've captured. For me, photography serves as a means to slow down time, revealing its hidden secrets and allowing me to explore it one page at a time. I completely immerse myself in each image, seeking out hidden nuances and unexpected treasures concealed within them. This phase of immersing myself in the images isn't just a routine; it's the driving force behind my photography, and I derive immense enjoyment from it.”

“For me, photography serves as a means to slow down time, revealing its hidden secrets and allowing me to explore it one page at a time.”

How would you describe your work?

“I believe that, at this point in my journey, I'm aligning with the aesthetic tendencies of pictorial photographers such as Gemmy Woud-Binnendijk. However, my focus isn't centered on imitating old paintings or constructing surreal realms. Instead, I'm dedicated to conveying the emotions of my subjects. But while this defines my current direction, I remain open to exploring different artistic paths in the future.”

Which artists influence you most?

“My inspiration draws from a diverse range of genres and historical periods. I find immense fascination in medieval paintings and the works of Flemish masters. Their mastery of portraying subjects' poses, as well as their intricate use of color and light, captivates me. Additionally, I derive inspiration from the world of cinema, particularly Japanese black and white samurai films and the iconic spaghetti westerns. But as for music, I adore many different genres. That being said, I aspire to infuse my own imagery with elements reminiscent of great photographers like Saul Leiter, Fan Ho, Harry Gruyaert and Daido Moriyama…and so on. While I may not have fully realized this aspiration yet, I am diligently working towards it.”

What is your creative process like?

“In the past, I used to be all about control, much like in my design projects. However, I've come to realize that photography demands a different approach. These days, I start with an idea, gather what I need, and dive into the session while staying open to unexpected twists. I welcome randomness in the creative process, even if it leads me away from my initial plan. This openness carries over to the editing phase and sometimes even after printing, keeping my mind ready for new possibilities. Photography's challenge lies in staying flexible and receptive, and I truly enjoy that aspect of it.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“Art is intrinsic to our species. To me art starts the very moment we manipulate materials and create objects that serve our survival. We as humans are not able to make our creations purely practical. We need to make them visually appealing or to give them a religious or political significance. This urge is for me the starting point of art, a need for something that we cannot define and neither avoid. During my time in Japan, I was consistently struck by how nearly everyone had a familiarity with expressing ideas through visual forms and how profound is the importance of community and belonging among the Japanese people. I believe there exists a connection between these two aspects. So if art could become another communication tool for every person, just like reading and writing, I truly believe this could help society to be more understanding and therefore more evolved.”