Reclaiming the passion: Julie Pearl David's path back to creativity

By Nimfa Estrellado Julie Pearl David BAGUIO CITY - Art is a kaleidoscope of passion and expression, a vibrant realm where creativity tr...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Julie Pearl David

BAGUIO CITY - Art is a kaleidoscope of passion and expression, a vibrant realm where creativity transcends boundaries and welcomes everyone, regardless of background or financial means. While resources can play a role, countless opportunities exist to empower and uplift emerging artists, proving that talent and drive—not financial status—are the true keys to success. Numerous programs and initiatives champion inclusivity, ensuring that artistic expression remains accessible to all.

For one visionary painter Julie Pearl David, 29 from the artistic haven of Baguio, her greatest obstacle was not the perceived elitism of the art world, but the insidious power of negative stereotypes that had shaped her own beliefs. Growing up surrounded by artists who seemed to struggle financially, she had internalized the notion that uncertainty was the norm for those who dared to pursue their artistic dreams. This misconception led her down a seemingly safer path in business, where she found success after high school in real estate and hospitality. However, fate had other plans for her artistic journey.

"When the pandemic hit, a potential opportunity in Singapore fell through due to travel restrictions and lockdowns," Julie explained. "However, this unexpected turn of events led me back to my true calling—art."

Julie Pearl David

During this period of isolation, Julie fully embraced her artistic pursuits. "I began taking online art courses, delving into classic art styles, a topic often overshadowed by discussions of contemporary art," she said. "The Chimei Museum in Taiwan offered fascinating lectures on painting restoration, art preservation, and frame craftsmanship, which deepened my knowledge and appreciation for the craft."

Social media became her unexpected launchpad. She discovered that it offered a more engaging and far-reaching platform than traditional gallery exhibits. "People could see the process behind the artwork through videos and time-lapses, which helped them appreciate the effort and meticulousness involved," she explained.

Julie Pearl David

As travel resumed, Julie continued her artistic journey in Taiwan. "I spent three months there, learning Mandarin, immersing myself in Chinese painting and calligraphy, and further expanding my art education at the Chimei Museum," she shared.

Embracing this newfound clarity, Julie immersed herself in her artistic pursuits, experimenting with various techniques and styles. "After two years of testing the waters, painting, and successfully selling my works online through effective social media marketing, it became a way for me to connect with buyers and art collectors," she explained. The overwhelming response to her work, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, empowered her to take the leap of faith and pursue art as a full-time career.

Although her family initially expressed concerns about the financial instability of an artistic career, Julie's unwavering passion and undeniable talent eventually won their support. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere, demonstrating that with dedication and perseverance, it is possible to overcome financial barriers and forge a successful path in the art world. Today, Julie stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, proving that creativity knows no boundaries and can flourish regardless of one's socioeconomic background.

Born and raised in Baguio, an artistic haven nestled in the mountains of the Philippines, Julie was immersed in a world of creativity from childhood. The city's natural beauty and thriving arts scene nurtured her innate talent, providing fertile ground for her artistic exploration.

Julie's artistic journey was nurtured by the rich cultural heritage of Baguio. She was inspired by the works of renowned artists like Kidlat Tahimik and National Artist Benidicto Cabrera (Bencab), and honed her skills through art studies at Tam-Awan Village and Li-Likha Artist Village. Even during her high school years in the Special Program of the Arts (SPA), Julie actively participated in Baguio's vibrant art scene, showcasing her talent in local exhibits and contributing to the city's annual Panagbenga Flower Festival.

A pivotal moment in Julie's artistic development came when she discovered the Disney Channel show "Art Attack," hosted by Neil Buchanan. The show's playful and accessible approach to art ignited a spark within her, encouraging her to experiment with various mediums and techniques with childlike enthusiasm.

Recognizing her budding talent, her parents enrolled her in art classes, further fueling her artistic development. Despite Baguio's reputation as an art-centric city, she recognized the limited opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their work. While mall exhibitions and galleries provided valuable platforms, the competition for space was fierce, often leaving many talented artists waiting in the wings. This realization fueled her determination to create her own path and find unique ways to share her art with the world.

In high school, she joined the Special Program in the Arts (SPA), specializing in visual arts. This immersive program allowed her to refine her skills under the guidance of experienced mentors, each contributing to her artistic growth and the development of her unique style. She acknowledges the influence of numerous mentors throughout her journey, crediting them with shaping her artistic vision and expanding her technical abilities.

However, she reserves a special place in her heart for Neil Buchanan, whom she credits as the catalyst for awakening her childhood creativity. His engaging approach to art on "Art Attack" sparked a lifelong passion for exploration and experimentation with diverse mediums. "I guess that's why I became so diverse with my art style," she reflects, "because, at a young age, I was exploring different mediums, from paper mache and drawing to painting and crafting." The show's emphasis on playfulness and creativity resonated deeply with her, encouraging her to embrace her own unique artistic voice and to approach her work with a sense of joy and wonder.

A Journey of Themes and Inspirations

Her artistic journey is one of continuous exploration and growth. A visionary, she effortlessly traverses diverse styles while maintaining a distinct personal identity within her work. "I relish the freedom to paint a wide range of subjects and styles, from abstract and minimalist to imaginary portraits interwoven with elements of scenery and wildlife," she explains. "Women, symbolizing strength and freedom, are a recurring motif in my work, embodying the modern woman who confidently takes up space."

For her, art and painting are not merely decorative elements but integral to interior design. She approaches commissioned works with the intention of harmonizing her paintings with the existing space or interior design style.

"I don't see painting as simply something to fill an empty wall. It has a purpose—to make a statement and highlight a personality or mood," she says. "Each painting has its appropriate setting, whether it's a commercial, business, or personal space. My diverse subjects and styles allow me to tailor my artwork to different interior environments."

Her art serves as a tool for emotional redirection, eliciting optimism and positivity. "My paintings offer a positive perspective on the world, where anything is possible and limitless," she shares. "With every artwork, I focus on what I want others to feel—happiness and positivity. My mantra is looking from a positive perspective."

Constantly seeking new mediums and subjects, she dedicates time each year to exploring her craft. Currently, she is immersed in the captivating world of 3D painting. Viewers are drawn in by the textured layers and dramatic shadows enhanced by pin spotlights, creating an experience that transcends traditional, flat paintings.

Delving into her creative process, she reveals how an idea typically evolves from a concept to a finished piece, particularly when creating commissioned works. "The first thing I do is get a glimpse of the collector's personality," she explains. "I always check where they intend to display the artwork and what mood they want to experience every time they see it. Mostly, I would get an idea of what art style direction to take by looking through their space's interior design concept."

In her preferred mediums, such as acrylic and oil paint, she utilizes a diverse range of tones, from rich to soft, along with other mediums like metallics and impasto techniques, to give her paintings a strong physical presence and dimension. The 3D textures further enhance this effect, adding depth and intrigue.

Working through the night while the city sleeps, she finds that the quiet and lack of external distractions help her creativity flow. "I'm a very optimistic person," she shares, "but it's quite ironic because every time I paint, I watch documentary true crime stories on YouTube on the side. Whenever I have near-deadline paintings that I have to accomplish, I listen to my fast-beat playlists on Spotify, which helps my workflow speed up."

This artist's journey is a testament to the power of embracing diverse styles and mediums while maintaining a unique artistic voice. Her commitment to evoking positive emotions and tailoring her work to specific environments makes her a sought-after talent in the art world.

Challenges and Triumphs

Julie believes that being a female artist has never been a barrier to success, unlike the past when painting was predominantly male-dominated. "Art appreciation is not gender-specific," she explains. "In fact, being a woman can be an advantage because women are often more empathetic and sensitive, and these traits translate into deeply relatable art."

A pivotal moment in her career was the overwhelmingly positive response to her sold-out collection, "Liberation Parts One and Two." This collection, featuring a fusion of bird and female forms, celebrates women's freedom and limitless potential. Its popularity led to a second collection and numerous commissioned versions.

"Although art was historically dominated by men, women possess a unique creative essence," she emphasizes. "Interestingly, most of my collectors are women, demonstrating that art collecting is not exclusive to men."

Her aspiration is to see her art displayed in more commercial and business spaces, where it can be enjoyed by a broader audience. Witnessing her paintings on the walls of thriving businesses brings her immense joy, especially when clients share photos on social media.

Her advice to aspiring artists is straightforward: "Keep creating, stay true to yourself, and find your niche. Art has no rules, and you'll eventually find people who resonate with your work. If you have a genuine passion for art, don't ignore it."

Reflecting on her own journey, she explains, "I always considered art a hobby, not a career. Even though I loved it, I pursued a business degree. Don't let yourself feel trapped and stop yourself from pursuing your creative desires. With the rise of technology and social media, art is more accessible than ever. This generation values creativity, making it the perfect time to showcase your talents."

She attributes the success of her sold-out paintings to their diverse themes and subjects, which resonate with a wide audience. The "Liberation" collection, in particular, deeply connected with many women.

She believes her versatility and willingness to explore different subjects and styles differentiate her from other artists. "In an era of short attention spans, people lose interest in predictability. Art is constantly evolving, and my exploration and versatility keep my collectors engaged."

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