High Artist Spotlight: Julia Kotze
Julia Kotze is a South African artist with a Bachelor of Arts in 3D animation. She currently works full-time in the tech industry as a 3D artist. Julia has various artistic hobbies outside of work, including woodworking, oil painting, needle felting, sewing, and digital painting. Nature is a vital source of inspiration for Julia. Her works often incorporate personified animals through humour, and she bases most of her stories on unique and exciting animal facts. Working on her art brand, in her free time, she hopes to launch a website in the coming year, spreading some joy through art. Julia's main objective is to convey an entire story in just one frame that can put a smile on the viewer's face.
We recently caught up with Julia after High Art 2023 to learn more about her inspirations:
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Where do you find your creative inspiration?
Nature, Comedy, Science, human behavior.
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Why do you do what you do?
Creating is one of the few things that make my life worth living. It brings me so much joy and hopefully to other people as well. It is essential for my well-being to be working on any artistic project.
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What art/artist do you most identify with?
Lucia Heffernan, Stuart Dunkel, Alison Friend
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What themes do you pursue the most?
Humor and Animals
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What role does an artist have in society?
The creations of artists contribute immensely to the value of our existence, making the world a worthwhile place to live in. It is unimaginable to envision a world devoid of art, as it is present in every aspect of our lives, whether we acknowledge it or not.
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What is your artistic outlook on life?
I believe art is all around us and a crucial element of our existence. Art can bring joy, teach, provoke thought, spark new ideas, and influence people. My personal goal with art is to bring myself and those around me as much joy as possible in the short time we have on this planet.
I believe art is all around us and a crucial element of our existence. Art can bring joy, teach, provoke thought, spark new ideas, and influence people. My personal goal with art is to bring myself and those around me as much joy as possible in the short time we have on this planet.
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What advice would you give to your younger self?
Work on your own ideas and style without the pressure of it being financially viable - build a cohesive portfolio, and the rest will follow.
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Do you listen to music while you are creating? If yes, tell us your favorite song and artist.
Yes Sometimes! Camel Power Club - Bamtak, Dr. Dog - Heart it races, Car Seat Headrest - Fill in the blank.
Yes Sometimes! Camel Power Club - Bamtak, Dr. Dog - Heart it races, Car Seat Headrest - Fill in the blank.
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What's the best thing about being an artist?
The feeling that you can make anything - or at least try and learn a new skill. It feels like a superpower!
The feeling that you can make anything - or at least try and learn a new skill. It feels like a superpower!
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What is your dream project?
I dream of creating a series of large classic paintings featuring animals and the silly things they do. I would also like to illustrate and publish a book with fun animal facts.
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