Hear Me Roar: Julia Anderson

Complete Artist - Beaufort, S.C.

HearMeRoar1117Photography by Christian Lee

Your work is awe-inspiring! When did you first start painting? I really can’t remember a time when I didn’t paint. I remember Christmas when I was about 5 years old, my parents gave me a set of oils and a few canvas boards. I have been painting at least since then. I even remember my first painting – ladies in hats of all colors! Wish I still had it!

What is the smallest space you’ve tackled? And the largest? I am assuming you are referring to murals. The smallest was a mural in a hidden cupboard under a staircase – a perfect hideaway for the clients’ grandchildren. Fun but not comfortable to paint! The largest indoor have been complete houses with designs in almost every room--murals and finishes combined. Another was a play house/guesthouse with a continuous mural on all walls and ceilings. The largest exterior mural was a two-car garage painted to blend in with the trees surrounding it.

What does “being creative” mean to you? It’s my energy like breathing. I am always designing, painting, or thinking about it.

What is your most favorite project? It’s extremely hard to pick just one. My work is so diverse that every project is new and exciting, whether it’s a mural, finish, painting, or a piece of furniture. I guess what makes projects enjoyable is when the client and I have a great working relationship and a great merging of ideas, which  makes it special for both of us. I have met many of my really good friends through my work.

What do you want people to feel when they see your work? It depends on what the work is. If it’s a mural, I want it to feel perfect for the space in subject and color. Also a wow factor in areas that you don’t expect it, such a small powder room. If it’s a finish, I really don’t want you to even notice the work. For example a faux bois (faux wood) should look completely real and not at all like paint. I like very subtle glaze finishes on walls and ceilings so you get a good feeling about the space but it may take a while for you to see or notice why.

We hear you have a local celebrity in the family. I actually have four family celebrities. My son Ben is a member of the Coast Guard and is currently stationed in New Orleans. He has recently coordinated rescue efforts in Texas and Louisiana during the hurricanes. My son Mark has been enjoying life on the PGA tour. His wife Meredith, when not traveling with Mark, is an ICU nurse here in Beaufort and an amazing mother to the biggest celebrity in the family, my 1-year-old grandson, Ian.
What is your inspiration? Well, obviously we live in one of the most inspiring places on the planet, but I really like taking a client’s thought or idea and evolving it to something even more than what they imagined.

What else do you enjoy doing in the Lowcountry? Anything on the water, walking the beach with the dogs, gardening and just being outside.

Who’s the most influential person in your life? My father is, and always has been, the most influential person in my life. He has always encouraged me and continues to do so today.
I am currently roaring about:  My concern for all the sudden development that has taken place in this area in the past year. We really need to preserve the beauty of the Lowcountry, and the pop-up developments and clear cutting land to do that is worrisome. Equally concerning is the secrecy that seems to occur during planning and permitting.

How can we see your work? Visit www.juliaandersonstudio.com