Additional information
by Olivia Hoefling (Author), Julie Ross (Artist)
Julie Ross was born in Tampa, Florida in 1965 but grew up in nearby Sarasota. Her greatest influence growing up was her Great Uncle Ben Stahl, whose artwork hung in her grandparents and relatives homes.
She excelled at specialized visual arts, leading her to complete a BFA at The School of Visuals Arts in New York City in 1987. Challenging herself on a human level and questioning her "voice", she embarked on a 10-year journey of travel to discover the world which eventually pushed her further into the realm of fine art.
Her exploration of different cultures and landscapes inspired her and she often incorporated her concern for the state of the environment within her work. She began to use her art as a way to raise awareness about the need for conservation and kindness towards all living things through various series of works, such as "Whirled Peas". Her artwork continued to be influenced by the beauty of the natural world, becoming increasingly complex and beautiful, reflecting her deep concern for the environment and also, her belief in the importance of global peace and understanding.
Julie worked in a variety of mediums, including acrylic and oil painting on canvas and board, Plaster of Paris sculptures and forms, as well as ink and pencil in her mixed media pieces. Her use of found objects, such as oyster shells as canvases, furthered her cause of utilizing the natural resources around her to limit her environmental impact. Her artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums and collected worldwide, from New York City and California to New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France, Germany, and Canada.
