Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia (Finn) Finefrock.
Hi Julia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a home where art supplies were always available. Although I struggled greatly with feeling like I didn’t “fit in” in the overly conservative city of St. Louis, I began channeling this feeling into my art. I have been painting, drawing, and writing for as long as I can remember.
For the longest time, I struggled with identifying what my “style” was. Ever since I was a child, I loved putting outfits together, even though all of my clothes were thrifted and hand-me-downs. As I became comfortable and confident in my body over the years, my outfits progressively got more expressive.
About 5 years ago, I began mixing my love of art with my love of fashion by customizing Nike AF1s. After I figured out that I could paint on shoes, I realized I could paint on anything. This discovery sparked a flame inside of me that continues to grow.
On my 20th birthday, I made my escape from the Midwest and set out for the great city of Los Angeles so I could submerge myself in creative culture and pursue a career in the beauty and fashion industry. After becoming a licensed cosmetologist, I completed a prestigious advanced education program at the highly acclaimed Luxelab Salon where I still work as a hairstylist. Becoming a part of their editorial team helped expand my vision of beauty and art.
This year, I am introducing my fashion brand to the world. Jordan Chan and I created Ascension as a platform to share our art and to build a community of like-minded individuals. I am very excited to watch this dream finally come to fruition.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I think one of the biggest challenges as an artist is the presence of capitalism.
When it costs money to produce art, you fear that you must make money from your art in order to survive. Having to make money from your art is one of the most significant creative blocks that I still find myself battling.
I have to constantly remember that I am not making art to please the masses or for profit, but I am making it simply because I love to. If some people resonate with it, that’s just a bonus.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a multimedia visual artist, fashion designer, and hairstylist.
My art is surreal, whimsical, colorful, and abstract. My style is encompassed by the essence of complete freedom, as art knows no boundaries. I find great inspiration in the free mind of a child, untouched by corruption and clear of existential anxieties. I paint on canvas, clothes, hair, furniture, and anything I can get my hands on.
I find great joy in giving lackluster things a new life.
I love painting new pictures on old canvases while still allowing a little glimpse of its past life to be seen. I love going treasure hunting at thrift stores where I find old, unwanted, and out-of-style pieces that for some reason catch my eye. I take those items and turn them into something new and unique by cutting, sewing, embellishing, and painting until I like what I see.
I take someone’s head of hair that is dull and shapeless and I give them a completely new look achieved by strategic cutting, coloring, and styling. I feel satisfaction when I can breathe life into something.
Ascension-my brand is a collection of jewelry, 1 of 1 upcycled pieces, graphic t-shirts, original art, and prints. It is whimsical while simultaneously edgy which creates a completely unique take on fashion and art. Ascension is most known for our Hot Wheels necklaces and high-fashion DIY style jackets.
We use our platform to inspire others to ascend out of the ordinary way of thinking and to condemn the oppressive institutions that plague our society.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people who know me, know that I am an optimist. I always search for the positive in any situation. As cliche as it is, I fully believe that everything happens for a reason. This positivity seeps out of me wherever I am and whoever I am with.
What people oftentimes don’t know about me, is that I come from a long journey of depression and even suicidal thoughts. I haven’t always had the mindset that I currently possess. It took many years of self-reflection and practice to rewire my brain. My struggles have made me who I am.
There is truly nothing that I would change about my life or my past. It is wild to think that when I was younger, I didn’t think I would live past 18. I couldn’t imagine myself in the world, so I decided to set out and discover my own world. I set myself free.
Ultimately, that is what drives me. I hope I can’t help many others find this freedom.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Ascendtheordinary.myshopify.com
- Instagram: @thatgirlfinn, @ascendtheordinary, and @thepunkstylist
Image Credits
Ben Carranza, Chris Jackson, Samuel Alejandro, and Lazo Garcia
