Meet Julia Baucom of Julbyland in Santa Monica

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Baucom.

Julia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Olney, Maryland where for as long as I can remember, I had a love for drawing. It wasn’t until high school that I discovered painting, which transformed and propelled my passion even further that I decided to go to art school in Richmond, Virginia, where I pursued a Painting and Printmaking degree at VCU. The small city of Richmond was (and still is) vibrant with art, music, fashion and culture. It was my experience of living in this small city, which was so different from my boring hometown that I was inspired to move out to an even bigger city, the city of Los Angeles immediately after graduating. My passion for creativity and the love of this city which nurtures the creative spirit, is what keeps me here today, five years since deciding to move across country on my own. Today I am still strongly focused on painting, and utilizing my talent in multiple ways to grow a business from it, and developing financial success as an individual artist. I am working on selling my artwork both in stores and online, to allow myself the freedom of having the time to paint, so I may develop a body of work for future gallery shows to come.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are many struggles, and I am still dealing with them today and I am sure there are more to come in the future as well. Right now, I am focusing on having faith in myself and being confident in my path to success, despite what the majority of society (including friends and family) may think. There is a clear divide between people who are inspired with my choosing of a creative path and those who are doubtful of the journey of an artistic career. So in dealing with this kind of duality is an obstacle of mental strength and faith in yourself. I believe that a “starving” artist will become a successful artist with persistence and endurance… and to not let the rough beginnings of this kind of path disillusion you or blind you into not seeing the light at the end of the path. And it is my challenge right now to hold strongly onto this belief and not fold for the opposite beliefs of others who may try to influence me into taking an alternate, or “normal” path.

Please tell us about Julbyland.
Julbyland is an alternate universe that takes place in the future. Within cloudy, starry, and watery landscapes are creatures that live in harmony with each other. Their world includes technological artifacts which have been preserved from Earth, from television sets and gadgets to CGI beings that never left the internet.

By creating a strange world with odd creatures doing odd things, I am making a commentary on our spirituality, interest in space exploration, and human psychology. I want my artwork to provoke the joys of the inner child, and strike you with a sudden awareness and profound truth. I believe that art that is genuine and pure can influence the world to operate in a more intimate and honest way, with a feeling of connection to all.

My artwork can be purchased at Ten Women Gallery in Santa Monica or online.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My level of passion for what I do is essential for my success. Making art is an obsession. When passion and obsession become one, you burn your bridges for any other path you can take and go straight for what you truly desire the most. My fearlessness is what keeps me moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Address: Ten Women Gallery is on 2719 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
• Website: www.juliabaucom.com
• Phone: 3015039950
• Email: baucomjulia@gmail.com
• Instagram: julbyland
• Facebook: julbyland

Image Credit:
For the two live painting shots: The first one I sent should be credited to Matthew Freiheit, JeanPierre Rivas & Ella Hovsepian. The second should be credited to Andy Salinas.

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