Local artist profile: Julie Kala

THIS week we chat with self-taught painter Julie Kala, who said whatever medium you create in, make time everyday to do a small sketch/draft of ideas – even if it’s just 10 minutes waiting for a bus.

What initially motivated you to become a painter?

I attended a Catholic primary school and my brother and I were always asked to create art on butcher’s paper for all the different holy events.

I don’t remember learning much but loved the art aspect and would spend the majority of my lunch in Year 11 working on my major work of art.

As a teenager, my uncle, who was also an artist, gave me my first set of oil paints.

Bush scenes were my go-to as I was very influenced by Australian cartoonist and illustrator, Eric Jolliffe.

How would you describe your style?

I’ve had no training so have just found what I like to do and feel comfortable with over time.

I never quite understood how to use watercolour until the last 4 years so it’s now my go-to medium and it’s easy to carry when I’m away and paint plein air.

Which other artists inspire you?

I love all art, so hard to pinpoint specifically.

I will mention what’s noice, different, unusual, are the old masters (such as) Van Gogh, Renoir and Monet.

I’ve recreated their style to produce a series of paintings of characters from Kath & Kim.

It started when I painted Sharon Strzelecki in The Scream by Edvard Munch.

Over 60 paintings later I’m still creating Kath & Kim art.

It’s a lot of fun and it gives people a good laugh.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

I had an exhibition at Dudley House just out of COVID.

Mainly friends and work colleagues attended but (it was) pretty exciting and I can knock that off my bucket list.

I received the “Best Other” painting award last year at St Mary’s Anglican Church Art Show.

Ben Winspear was the judge so I was pretty stoked.

I do a few commissions and one special painting was when I was asked to paint a watercolour of (someone) with their tiny premmie baby.

About 18 months later they asked me to create another of the dad and their second baby, who is a bouncing little boy.

A wonderful memory to have.

How can people check out your work online?

Facebook: Julie Kala Art and Insta: JulieKalaArt

Are you working on anything in particular right now?

I’m always painting or sketching and I do attend a few local Artist markets where I do have my original miniature art available as well as my Kath and Kim prints.

I’m always creating. I just finished a couple of cute doggo paintings for someone last night! Never a week goes by without me creating.

I think I’ll be like Australian artist Clarice Beckett.

Her family found hundreds of her art(works) in a shed after she passed!

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Whatever medium you create in, make time everyday to do just a small sketch/draft of ideas – even if it’s just 10 minutes sketching waiting for a bus.

Get into the creative zone and do what you enjoy, have fun, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

If you’re working on something bigger and it isn’t coming together, leave it for a while and (go) back later with a fresh view.