Interview
Julie Bird Mattson
Julie Bird Mattson is an American contemporary painter born in Pasadena CA, USA.
She took many art classes all through school and into junior college. She then decided that she wanted to shift her focus away from school and launched out on her own, but always reading and listening.
Julie designed greeting cards for ‘The Evergreen Press’ for many years, and worked in the corporate world for quite a while too, but always came back to what she loved doing. She never stopped painting.
Julie has collectors worldwide in the Middle East, Western Europe, Canada and the US.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Painting and drawing have been in my life since I was old enough to hold a pencil/brush. When I was five, my grandfather beheld the flock of birds I had just painted on the side of our family home, and declared, "You will be an artist, Little Bird, just like my friend, Carl Moon." This dear man had just validated my heretofore-secret life as a toddler tagger, who had been embellishing the sidewalks of our Pasadena neighborhood and upsetting the status quo for quite some time. I've been a suspect ever since. I don't know how not to paint. My first journey was to tag my parents house when I was 5 years old and then numerous other spots. Getting a drawing published in the local newspaper when I was 5 ½ - that started it.”
What inspires you the most?
“I find my inspiration in people, the weather, music and running. Well, not in that order but who cares?”
“Every artist dips his brush in his soul and paints his own nature into his paintings.” -Henry Ward Beecher
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I do not pursue any direct theme. Just what’s in my head. I can’t always explain the message, I find it easier to put it on canvas, and let the viewer see for themselves.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as contemporary and abstract.”
Which artists influence you most?
“The artists that influence me the most are Joan Mitchell, Elaine De Kooning, Picasso and Lee Krasner.”
What is your creative process like?
“The early mornings lead up to it with a run, and sort of meditation whilst running, the usual admin of the day then at 4 o’clock the colours start to appear in my head and I start to paint. At this point, I lock the door to my studio.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I feel an artist’s role in society is to bring colour and light to other people, new views or visions. To make people think. To bring emotion. All while putting our interpretation on a canvas.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Several gallery shows. A hand painted shoe show at Fred Segal for TOMS shoes. I have had many shows/salons in my studio, which is always an uplifting and positive experience.”
Website: www.jbirdstudio.com
Instagram: @jbirdstudio
