This page goes in depth on the local Bloomington-Normal artists. It has interviews, pictures of their artwork, and information on where you can find their art! Get to know the talent in the area by checking out this page. There is also information and links to different art festivals that happen each year and help on where to go if you want to see some art in person.
Julie Meulemans
Local artist Julie Meulemans (above far right) , a creative and talented woman, paints beautiful pieces that come to life with her incredible use of color. She offers a new, refreshing perspective to the art scene in Bloomington-Normal and keeps the necessary emotion within her art that makes her paintings truly unique.
-What influences your art?
Julie Meulemans: I am constantly influenced by the world around me. It can be something as grand as traveling to a new city or as simple as seeing two colors together. A good example of an unusualinspiration was during the movie Avatar. You may recall the two brightly colored birds in the film. One fiery red/orange and one aqua. I was so distracted by the color of the birds during the course of the film that I could hardly concentrate on the movie itself! I later painted a piece featuring the two colors together. It is a large piece that still hangs in our living room to this day. So, I never know what is going to ultimately inspire me to put colors together or develop new techniques to achieve a fresh technique.
-What made you want to be a painter?
JM: From the time I was young I was happiest when I was creating something from nothing or putting two things together than were unexpected. Decor, food, fashion, art, the written word. It's all the same to me. I am actually more interested in layering than anything. Regardless of the medium, my goal is to layer whatever I am doing to create interest and dimension. If I can produce something that causes a person to be curious by the end result then I believe I have been successful in my efforts.
-When did you start painting?
JM: I have painted regularly for about 15 years. Unable to afford large paintings after we purchased our first home, I was inspired to replicate a painting I fell in love with at a high-end store. Completely out of our financial reach, I created a version of the piece and it ultimately meant more than if I had purchased the more expensive version. That piece also hangs in our home to this day!
-Have you had any gallery openings? If so how did it go?/Where was it?
JM: Until last year I only commissioned pieces for clients. Although in November 2014, I was thrilled to have a gallery of my paintings featured at Epiphany Farms and Anju Above, which are two farm to table restaurants located in the same building in Bloomington. It was a very successful event. I am grateful that the owners continue to feature two of the paintings that were introduced at the show. I have two upcoming shows this spring and summer that will be announced shortly on my website.
-Where can someone purchase a painting of yours?
JM: I am working on new paintings all the time, as well as commission pieces for clients who want specific colors for their home. The best way to contact me is through my website juliemeulemans.squarespace.com or via email at [email protected].
-How did you get your paintings sold as jewelry?
JM: A local jewelry designer saw my paintings and loved the color and flow of the images. She wanted to create wearable art and thought we could mesh our two talents together. It is a processthat takes an image and combines it with metal. Ultimately creating cuffs, earings, and necklaces. It is very exciting to be able to wear one of my paintings. It is also an option for someone who might not be able to afford a painting or have space for an original piece.
-Are you from around here originally?
JM: I was born in California and our family moved to Oregon when I was a teenager. I have spent the majority of my life on the West Coast until 2010 when we moved from the Bay Area to theEast Coast. In 2012 we moved to Bloomington.
-What is the Bloomington/Normal art scene like?
JM: There is a very rich art scene in Bloomington/Normal. Lots of galleries in downtown Bloomington that are tucked away. A good opportunity to visit is during Bloomington's First Friday. An even that takes place on the first Friday of every month. I would also recommend theMcLean County Arts Center. It is free of charge and always has a great collection of art.
-Is it competitive?
JM: I happen to view art as emotional. I only compete with myself, but that is how I view everything. For me I would never hang anything in my home that did not elicit some feeling. Ultimately, my clients hang my paintings because they feel something. It is not a task that I take lightly. The honor of having one of my paintings hang in a client's personal space is the greatest compliment I can imagine.
-What is it like in other places?
JM: The beauty of art is that it is everywhere. Whether you are in a museum, walking through an airport, or just milling through a boutique. I am always looking at walls, ceilings, and displaycases wherever I go. I have actually seen some of the most amazing displays in Airports. Even in our small airport in Bloomington!
-Do you dabble in other art forms besides painting?
JM: I am equally obsessed with fashion, decor, cooking, and writing. Four things that I consider art. I write a weekly blog called I dare say... It is mainly a blog for women and girls that incorporates thoughts, articles, videos, and issues that I believe are important. More recently I am in the final stages of completing my first novel. It is called Larkspur Bungalow and will be out later this month. It has been two years in the making and finally will be published. It is, for sure, one of my greatest accomplishments!
http://juliemeulemans.blogspot.com/
There are many artists that crawl the streets of Bloomington/Normal, especially during the Sugar Creek Art Festival every summer! The local artists are involved in many activities to keep art alive in the community. The McLean County Arts Center has special programs like Art on the Trail where local artists set up and paint right on the Constitution trail.
