Artist Series - Julieandco

Have you heard of Temari? I saw them for the first time two years ago and fell in love. I bought a book, sat myself down, and began making some. It looks a lot easier than it is! I was never really satisfied with the outcome so I put that craft aside. As I was wandering around Etsy one day I found Julieandco and all of her beautiful Temari. I was excited to see how beautiful they were and the color combinations are truly unique. Let me introduce you to an inspiring artist and Temari master...

1. When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

I have always been surrounded by art: one of my brothers and my sister are both artists, my mom has always been a crafter, and my dad was a builder. Working with our hands is natural for us. However, my oldest two brothers are scientists and in a way, I think I have some of both of those talents. Japanese temari are very detailed, precise geometric (like science), yet colorful and visual (like art). I become restless if I am not crafting something or making things of beauty. I have been sewing, crafting, experimenting, and creating since my early teen years.

2. You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about or do?

I would definitely want to have a chat over tea with Mary Cassatt -- her paintings of mothers and their children move me. I saw an exhibit of hers in Chicago and wept at her perfect depiction of the gentle love between a mama and the baby at her breast. I would love to pick C.S. Lewis’ brain....he intrigues me. I would also love to sit in daVinci’s studio and watch him work. He was genius in both art and science.

3. How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?

I never would have dreamed any of this was possible, honestly. My four daughters encouraged me to open an Etsy shop and many friends also challenged me to go for it. The whole global customer concept is thrilling and terrifying!

4. Have you discovered any new technique to creating your work that you can share? How do you overcome artist block?

Temari is an ancient folk art form, originally begun in China and then adopted by the Japanese, where it is highly revered today. I am clearly a novice at this amazing craft and do not pretend to bring much originality to it, only my own delight and effort to each one I make. The patterns are traditional and yet each temari is unique. Color choice is my main challenge and is usually resolved with several of my daughters and my husband offering their opinion and preferences as I begin each new design.

5. If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?

Considering the fact that my “studio” is simply my family room, I would lead you over the pile of shoes by the back door, push past Maggie the pug (no doubt, clammering for some love from you), and welcome you into our family. I am a wife and homeschool mom first and foremost and I’m sure my daughters would be eager to show you their art as well. We spend a lot of time together and I love how my craft fits in with our family life and home. I would probably want to hide the fact that nearly all of my craft is in two plastic storage tubs and lots of ziploc baggies! So high-tech!

6. Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience?

I had the privilege of traveling to southeast Asia several years ago following the tsunami (including a short stay in Tokyo) and have developed an appreciation and passion for her culture, her people, and her countries. It is an honor to take part in crafting an ancient Japanese art. I love the fact that Japanese women taught their daughters this craft, since I have also taught my daughters through homeschooling. I will say again that I am truly a novice in making temari. In Japan, the steps to becoming a Temari Master are long and challenging.

7. Describe what you do or who you are in a haiku

Seems fitting, being a form of Japanese poetry, and the fact that I have a B.A. in English!

Humbled by ancient
Peering into illusion
Curving symmetry

8. Is there anything else that you would like to share?

I am truly honored to be featured in your series. To think that my temari are in homes around the country and their beauty appreciated is amazing! I had a blast creating a large grouping of temari for a neighbor in her living room colors, the largest being nearly 6” in diameter! It is delightful to create things of beauty and custom orders are fun!