Featured Artist: Julia Tran

There is a simple joy and tranquillity in experiencing Julia Tran's folk-tale inspired watercolours; the charming denizens of her sunny, candy-coloured worlds are always smiling and among friends, even in the midst of peril and high adventure.   The jewel-bright, lush fantasy landscapes and benevolent, playful spirits that await you in her fairy tale world are reminiscent of a beloved Studio Ghibli film, with Julia's artistic mastery and cute "kawaii" illustration style inspiring an equal sense of delight and wonder.  Japanese folklore and animation are clear influences on Julia's work, but look closely at one of her exquisitely detailed pieces and their multitude of lively, original characters and you'll see it's her abundant imagination and innate skill at storytelling that brings her work to another level.

Julia's very first solo exhibition Folktale can be seen this month at café, bar and art space Haiku (who have a killer food and drinks menu fyi) in Camberwell throughout September, so make sure to head over and check it out over a Japanese cocktail or two.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a practicing artist. Do you have a formal education in art, or are you self-taught?

I’m mostly self-taught, but I did study two semesters of animation a few years ago. I remember it was the first time I was aware I was in a room full of creative people. It encouraged me to improve on the areas I was lacking as an artist, and it motivated me to discover my own voice.

Has your culture or upbringing influenced the development of your art practise?

Absolutely! I don’t know how or even where to begin describing the wonder of playing in the castle my dad built, or exploring the fairy gardens my mum tended to, or going on new world adventures with my family and friends every holiday. My childhood was alive with love, support and imagination, so I try to cherish that freedom I felt as a kid when I draw.

From benevolent fairytale creatures and vivid watercolour palettes to magical scenes of friendship and adventure set in nature, your art exudes a whimsical and joyful aesthetic that reminds me of a Studio Ghibli film. It’s clear that Japanese culture and anime art is a large influence on your art. What draws you to create in this style?

Moving images are exciting. The line work and choice of colour are quite deliberate and complex, yet simple and spontaneous at the same time. It’s a very fun paradox to work with as a style of art.

Who are the fantastical array of endearing characters in your artwork? Are they all fully developed beings with their own unique mythologies, storylines and character traits?

Some of them have names and bits of their personalities are beginning to form, but to be completely honest, I’m still splashing around in shallow waters! I hope to dive deeper in the future, but I might end up getting lost too.

Not only are you an accomplished watercolour artist, you also use ceramics and clay to bring your adorable characters to life. What are your favourite tools and techniques to work with when creating?

I like experimenting with textures by using the scratching technique when the pieces are bone-dry. I also like playing around with a combination of underglazes/glazes. Soon I want to try using wax resist, and include bisque firing in my process as well.

I love how you can keep finding new details and stories-within-stories within your intricate and complex artworks. What is your creative process when approaching such detailed, small-scale pieces?

Usually I start with a very rough sketch of a main story or idea, while focusing on the composition. The details begin to appear when I do the initial pencil drawing on the final piece. I guess you can call it an “in the moment” kind of process! This allows me to express very raw feelings and thoughts.

You are also the co-creator of online artist collective Made By Tomo, a website where you sell the work of yourself and like-minded friends. What is the story behind how Made By Tomo got started?

When I started going to the markets as a stallholder, I wanted to support my friends as well, so I offered to bring along some of their works. I’m not able to bring them to the market any more since the space has gotten tighter, so I use the online shop to continue to help sell their art for them.

Are there any key books, films or artists that have had a significant impact on you as an artist?

The key stories that resonate in most, if not all, of my pieces are ‘At the Back of the North Wind’ by George MacDonald and ‘The Little Prince’ by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I could read those books over and over again, and each time I would feel my heart soften as though it were the first time.

Folktale Exhibition

Where: Haiku Café and Restaurant, 1161 Toorak Road, Camberwell, VIC 3124

When: September 1st - 30th