Julie Crews is presenting her artwork in “People, Places, Things” at the Hammond Regional Arts Center Aug. 4 to 25. Crews’ artwork is influenced by what she sees in her everyday life.
Annie Goodman/The Lion’s Roar
To start their fall season, the Hammond Regional Arts Center is featuring artist Julie Crews with the exhibition “People, Places, Things.”
The exhibit, on display in the HRAC Aug. 4 through the 25, showcases a painter from Ruston, Louisiana.
“The Arts Center enjoys exhibiting local art, and we love providing the Hammond community with a chance to see up-and-coming artists right from their own state,” said HRAC Media Coordinator Tara Bennett.
Crews displays her version of finding a silver lining in this exhibit.
“In the exhibit, ‘People, Places, Things,’ the viewer gets a remote glimpse into my personal life, exposing the delicacy of monotony and repetition in regard to domestic affairs and how I choose to see a beautiful life amidst the mundane,” said Crews.
Bennett admires Crews’ skill in painting realistic pictures.
“I admire Julie’s keen eye in her paintings,” said Bennett. “The subjects, be they places or objects, are something we see nearly every day of our lives, but she revitalizes them in a new way. At first glance of her work, I thought her paintings were photographs. The way she can render creased pants and striped tops is enviable, and I love her use of color.”
Crews uses her paintings to reflect her day-to-day life.
“There is an unapparent irony in my studio practice,” said Crews. “My work concentrates on the very scenes of domestic life that take me away from the studio. Somehow, this oscillation yields a stabilizing effect on me and my work. While painting, I escape certain domestic tethers, yet there remains on the easel in front of me the scenery of my life: people waiting, dishes stacked by the sink, the car line. How areas of the home are treated, the traffic and landscapes encountered while running errands, and the moods of people engaged in banal tasks influence my life and, therefore, art.”
Since childhood, Crews has based her life around determination and creativity.
“I recall being a stubborn and strong-willed child, kind-hearted and generous, but very determined,” said Crews. “I have the heart of an artist, and painting, as I matured, became the most fitting path for my expression. I think I have always known I would make an image-rich, creative life for myself.”
Crews is an oil painter originally from North Carolina. She received her associate of art from Brigham Young University – Idaho.
“Many of Julie’s paintings in this exhibition are taken from her daily life experience,” said Bennett. “Her work begins with snapshots of daily living, which she then transforms into oil paintings. This series of work addresses the idea of finding beauty in the repetition of domestic life, and the images give permanence to things otherwise overlooked.”
At the upcoming Downtown Development District’s event Hot August Night on Friday, Aug. 25, Bennett suggests visiting the gallery to view the exhibit.
“Join us for Hot August Night and share in how she sees the beauty of life,” said Bennett. “What is commonly considered mundane and ordinary is turned into something extraordinary.”
The next HRAC exhibitions will be “Arboreal Musings” Sept. 8 through the 28 by Linda Beach, “Seldom Seen” Oct. 6 through the 27, “Fine & Functional Show” Nov. 3 through Dec. 20 and the “Marjorie Morrison Sculpture Biennial” Jan. 8 to Feb. 23, 2018. All events are free, and they are open to the public.
Crews’ favorite part of being an artist is expressing herself through a medium she loves, painting.
“I get to paint,” said Crews. “Not only do I get to paint, but I get to paint things that are very personal to me without apology or permission.”
Crews will be showing in the FW Gallery Sept. 8 through Nov. 4 and The Vendue Inn Oct. 19 through April. To view more of her work, visit juliecrews.com.
“I will also be giving an artist talk Friday, Aug. 25 at the Hammond Regional Arts Center at 4 p.m.,” said Crews. “I would love to see the students.”
