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Voices of Creativity

Hear the artist share her journey, challenges, and definitions of success

Julia Paige

Julia Paige is an emerging fine artist and multi-disciplinary painter known for her expressionist portraits, figurative, and abstract paintings. Born in New York in 1970, she is a self-taught artist with degrees in education and fine arts. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, Paige’s work explores the strength and beauty of women, blending realistic and abstract elements. In 2022, she launched Juju Rootz, a website showcasing her portfolio, original paintings, limited edition prints, and artisan goods. Paige has exhibited at major art fairs, including Spectrum at Art Basel, and participated in online exhibitions such as Sfumato Art Gallery’s 100 Emerging Artists. Her mixed-media work Sister’s is featured in the We’Moon 2024 calendar, and her painting Stay Sweet Like Honey was selected for the H.O.N.E.Y. website. Paige continues to develop new series in her home studio while seeking gallery connections and art opportunities.

Julia Paige: An Artist Fueled by Passion and Resilience

Julia Paige’s artistic journey is rooted in a deep curiosity about the world, from the sciences to human nature, fashion to architecture. Her fascination with the way things interconnect has shaped her path as an artist. Early on, she realised that her creative process allowed her to observe and communicate her experiences through art, leading her to pursue a career in the arts after years of honing her painting skills and building her artistic presence online.

Overcoming Life’s Challenges Through Art

Julia's greatest challenge came when she faced significant spinal surgery while raising four children as a single mother. Despite the physical limitations of her recovery, she found solace in painting from her bed, an experience that marked the true beginning of her journey as an artist. The process of healing physically and mentally was intertwined with her growth as an artist, as she navigated self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Over time, Julia’s confidence as an artist blossomed, fueled by both her personal healing and her commitment to developing her craft.

Celebrating Achievements and Growth

One of Julia’s proudest moments has been the ongoing evolution of her artistic career. From completing new artwork to participating in art markets and selling her work, Julia has seen tremendous growth. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications, including the We' Moon 2024 Calendar and Sfumato Art Galleries' First 100 Emerging Artists publication. Additionally, her participation in Sfumato’s Harmony in Contrast exhibition further cemented her place in the art world. Beyond external recognition, Julia is proud of the daily process of creating, which brings her joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

Artistic Evolution and Perspective

Julia’s artistic style has evolved significantly over the years. Initially working with batik and textile mediums, she transitioned to clothing design before focusing on painting. Her subjects often explore the strength of women and the depth of human experience, with her work moving from expressionist/representational styles to abstract expressionism in recent years. Julia’s perspective continues to expand as she learns and grows, with a deep commitment to refining her skills and expressing her unique voice.

Resilience Through Setbacks

Like many artists, Julia has faced setbacks in both her personal and artistic life. She views these challenges as opportunities for growth, learning humility, grace, and resilience along the way. Her medical recovery, in particular, served as a turning point, as she learned to embrace her creative process, even in difficult circumstances. Each setback has deepened her empathy and devotion to her work, reminding her of the importance of persistence and the healing power of art.

Insights for Emerging Artists

Julia’s advice to fellow artists is rooted in resilience, discipline, and self-compassion. She encourages emerging artists to never give up, to explore various mediums, and to trust their intuition as they develop their artistic voice. She emphasizes the importance of showing up every day, even if it’s just to make small marks, as consistent practice leads to growth. Julia also believes in the power of self-exploration, encouraging artists to understand their own motivations and to embrace imperfection as part of the creative process.

Staying True to Vision

For Julia, staying true to her artistic vision means focusing on her own expression rather than conforming to current trends. She avoids external pressures, allowing herself to create work that feels authentic and meaningful. While adapting to audience expectations can be challenging, Julia is committed to presenting her art with integrity, trusting that her originality and passion will resonate with those who connect with her work.

 

Inspiration and Motivation

Julia draws inspiration from the strength and resilience of people, especially women, as well as from her own life experiences. Her children, in particular, have been a source of motivation, showing her the power of love, perseverance, and dedication. She believes that the most profound lessons in life are the ones that teach us to be better humans, and these lessons are woven into her art.

Defining Success

For Julia, success is not just about external validation or achieving milestones; it is about the act of creating itself. As an artist, success is found in the discipline and commitment to one’s craft, in showing up every day to work, and in the joy and fulfillment that comes with expressing oneself authentically. Over time, Julia has come to realise that success is about continual growth, embracing imperfections, and creating art that touches and connects people on a deep emotional level.

In her first ten years of mastering her craft, Julia has committed herself to refining her skills and deepening her artistic expression. Her ultimate goal is to create work that is thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and capable of making a lasting impact on the world. Through her art, Julia hopes to inspire others to connect with their humanity, embrace their creative spirit, and celebrate the beauty of life.

Julia Paige’s personal story is embedded in every piece of art she creates. Raised to be fiercely independent, she has pursued a multifaceted career as a painter, multi-disciplinary artist, designer, and teacher. Working across a range of mediums—from textiles and batik to acrylics, oils, and cold wax—Julia embraces a lifelong journey of artistic exploration. Her commitment to refining her craft and mastering the technique of painting reflects her evolution as an emerging fine artist, dedicated to expression and skill development.

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Julia Paige’s creative process is a harmonious balance of intuition, intention, and technique. By layering colors, textures, and organic forms, she uncovers the magic of transformation, where intuition and innovation converge. Her art, exemplified by the name Juju Rootz, represents a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all things. Through her work, Julia explores the divine strength of women and the spiritual and biological interconnectedness of all, creating pieces that encourage introspection, respect, and a greater understanding of the collective human experience.

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"Art allows me to express my life experiences, explore the strength and beauty of women, and connect with the world in a meaningful way."

Julia Paige

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