Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Gittemeier.
Hi Julie, I am so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story? How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always had an interest in art. Art class was my favorite as a child and even well into high school. It felt so different from any of my other classes. I felt a sense of calm just upon entering the room. I loved that we could all work on the same idea for a drawing, and every picture would look different to fit the artist’s interpretation. Outside of school, at a young age, trips to the St. Louis Art Museum became frequent with my dad. My sister and I loved checking out the art- all so diverse and intriguing. We would spend hours on a Saturday or Sunday exploring every corridor. It was always an adventure, no matter how many times we went.
After high school, I went to college but did not pursue anything art related. In my free time, I found joy in drawing and sketching. It allowed me to take a “breather” from the stressors of college. I got married in 2012 and had my first son in 2013. I quit my job at an advertising company in the city and stayed home to raise him. Just a few years later, I had my second son. Art of any kind was pushed to the back burner. As my boys got older and my youngest started preschool, I realized it was time for me to head back out into the workforce. Any jobs I had in the past, I knew I didn’t want to do again. I had stayed home for so long with my boys that it was hard to remember my life and what I loved before I became a mom. That was a scary thought in itself, but something that motivated me. I dabbled in different things but needed something that would fill me with purpose.
It wasn’t until 2020, during the Pandemic, that I started experimenting with resin. Someone on social media had inspired me. When the world “shut down,” I devoted myself to learning and researching different art techniques, merely for an outlet. I began pursuing my hobby, turned passion, and turned business. I started with small items, such as resin overlays on wooden rounds I had painted. I became increasingly more comfortable using resin, so I made resin coasters and charcuterie boards with resin accents. I started painting on canvases and large wooden panels when I wasn’t making “giftable” items for boutiques and custom orders for clients. I began shifting my focus to the gallery scene. I applied for different exhibits so that my artwork could have an opportunity to be seen. To this present day, I’ve done several exhibits and art shows all over St Louis. I have done solo art shows at various galleries and helped curate a couple! I found incredible support in the gallery community.
Painting gives me a sense of calm; it’s therapeutic. It’s as if I’m a child again, open to the wonder that awaits me. When painting, I’m fully present in those moments, taking in every color and every brush stroke. There’s nothing else but the canvas and me. When viewing my art, I hope people equally feel that sense of tranquility and peace. I hope it quiets the racing mind and has one questioning if they’ve stepped into a dream, if only for a minute.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say it’s been completely smooth, maybe a little bumpy, with some off-roading. Lol! There are always little surprises whenever you try something new or different. I had to get more confident in what I was doing, and through lots of practice and each piece, that eventually came. The idea of putting myself ultimately out there was a bit scary, but I also knew that if I wanted my work to be seen, I had to just go for it. When you start something new, some people won’t necessarily agree with it and will question it; sometimes, they even make you question why you’re doing it. Lol! Going after your goals and dreams is essential, even if others don’t see your vision. People will have something to say either way, so do what makes you happy. I wish I wouldn’t have gotten hung up on this early on. Believe in yourself, first and foremost. Lastly, find a support system outside of close friends and family. One of my biggest blessings came to me through other artists in the STL area. Finding people with similar goals and dreams who can easily relate to and understand your lifestyle is always a plus. I am drawn and inspired by people who put themselves out there and follow their passions.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do?
I am a mixed-media artist based in Saint Louis. I specialize in acrylic paint, alcohol inks, oil paint, and, my favorite, resin. Although I started creating smaller items like coasters, wall art is my specialty. I make paintings on wooden panels, canvases, glass, and even mirrors. I’m most known for adding extra shine and sparkle anywhere I can. I love adding fire glass, glitter, or crushed glass to create more of an edgy “glam” look. I love to make bold statement pieces for the home and office. I feel most proud of my confidence with different mediums, especially resin. I love how resin turns paintings into something more polished and sleek. It gives a very modern effect. What sets me apart is my range of creations and mediums, from pieces as small as phone grips to large pieces of wall art and everything in between. If a client has an idea for colors to go in a specific room of their home, I can customize it to the finest details. I can create something for everyone, whether you prefer bright colors or neutrals.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The art industry will continue to thrive with social media, especially today. Artists will continue to create and put their heart and soul into their work; it may look slightly different. As long as artists are open to new ideas, they can still flourish and sell their artwork. NFTS may be used more to buy and sell real-life artwork. It could be used as a digital certificate of authenticity in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: Https://www.sapphireandiceart.com
- Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/Sapphire_and_ice_art
Image Credits
Danielle Ambry Photography
