Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Deckman.
Julia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a visual artist living in Charleston, SC. I am largely self-taught (no formal art school) and am constantly inspired by my environment. I am represented by the Miller Gallery, was awarded the 2019 Lowcountry Artist of the Year, and keep my studio space in Redux Contemporary Art Center.
I came into my own a little later in life. I had spent my young adulthood with my head down and blinders on. I was going through the motions of someone I thought I was “supposed” to be, checking “accomplishments” off my to-do list. Without realizing it, my life was passing by and I never took the time to get to know my true self and what I really wanted; I was unknowingly a stranger to myself. The older I got, the more anxious and unsettled I felt, but I ignored my anxiety and my subconscious. I assumed all would be well when I was finished with my “to-do” list.
I moved to Charleston in 2012 and I woke up in the middle of a life I didn’t recognize. It’s as if I was asleep for my entire adult life; the path I had been headed down had nothing to do with ME. But I found that the more time I spent in this beautiful city, the more alive and peaceful I felt. I found the courage to make some incredibly difficult decisions and make major changes. I finally started to be present and live on my terms. Charleston gently woke me up and offered the perfect environment to begin living my true life. In 2014 I finally decided to make changes and take risks. I resolved to make my passion my career; I resolved to start believing in myself and my potential, and I started calling myself an Artist.
I have been working to build my career for the past five years, the most exciting and fulfilling years of my life. I have made incredible connections and friendships and feel engaged with my local community. I am so thankful for my difficult and frustrating past. It keeps me eternally grateful for everything I’ve been able to achieve so far, and patient for all that has yet to come.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not. I had to start from scratch and constantly remind myself to be patient. It’s very difficult to build a career/business as an individual female with no personal wealth or outside investments. I had to really push myself out of my comfort zone to network and make genuine connections within my Charleston community. I was also working to figure out who I am as an artist and what I wanted to achieve and explore with my work. It’s very easy to become overwhelmed by doubt and insecurity; to constantly compare yourself to others. Gradually I found my fellow creative community and with it an incredible support system. I still find myself battling with these obstacles, and I still feel like there’s much I want to achieve and experience in my career, but I finally feel the momentum building and it’s exciting.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
I am a color, obsessed visual artist. I am most known for my Charleston restaurant portraits, but I actually have a very diverse body of work from large florals to abstract color studies. During this time of Covid-19, I have also been painting “pandemic pet and plant portraits” to help spread some much-needed joy. While my subject matter varies, I believe my use of vivid and often surprising color is what sets me apart. I liken my love for color with my love of food, and I wish I could taste my colors.
The achievement I am most proud of is being named the 2019 Griffith-Reyburn Lowcountry Artist of the Year. Receiving this grant from the Coastal Community Foundation last year was incredibly exciting and afforded me some national exposure. As a self-taught artist, I have a lot of insecurity about my “credibility” as a contemporary artist. This achievement helped put some of that to rest, and exposure is invaluable to any artist.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Cara Leepson – Executive Director of Redux Contemporary Art Center. Cara has become one of my closest friends and the work she does through Redux is invaluable to the Charleston Creative Community. Redux is a non-profit committed to fostering the creative community in Charleston and provides affordable studio spaces and educational and outreach opportunities. Keeping Redux running and funded is a very challenging task, and I am so thankful to have someone as passionate and supportive as Cara working for our community.
Sarah Miller Gelber – the owner of The Miller Gallery. Sarah offered me one of my first major shows in the Charleston area and subsequently, representation in her amazing contemporary gallery. Gallery representation has been a huge game-changer for me, but it was a big challenge to find the right fit for me and my work. The support I receive from Sarah, her staff and clients, has been energizing and helps me to continue to grow my business. I hope to find representation in other states, but The Miller Gallery is home for my work in Charleston
Candlefish- a local candle company in gift shop that has locations in both Charleston & Atlanta. This amazing place has helped support my career from day one. I’ve taught workshops in their classroom space, hosted several pop-up events and shows in their Charleston store, and am now collaborating on the artwork for a special run of candles. The store itself is beautiful and has amazing home and gift options. candlefish.com
Susan Irish- Susan is an artist and educator in Charleston, SC. We met years ago when I first decided to pursue my art career. She recognized the drive within me and offered me my very first solo show in her creative space, Fabulon. Her support and encouragement helped get me through the first year of doubts and insecurities, and I am forever grateful. https://www.susanirishartist.com/
Contact Info:
- Website: byjdeckman.com
- Email: byjdeckman@gmail.com
- Instagram: @byjdeckman
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byjdeckman/
Image Credit:
Lizzy Ervin & Caitlin Joyce Photography
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