Featured Artist Spotlight: Eclectic Clayworks

My seventh featured artist is Julianne of Eclectic Clayworks. I met Julianne through a mutual friend. Julianne makes beautiful ceramic housewares and decorative items are meant to be used and loved...




Start off by telling us about yourself...

Ok lets see, Im a mom of two grown children. Daughter is 23 and my son is 20. I live in Southern California, Ventura County. Ive lived in California my whole life and Its hard to see leaving here. Ive been married for 13 yrs. I started my ceramics business about 12 yrs ago and it just keeps growing.....I love all things whimsical, colorful and fun!

When did you get started in your art/craft and how did you get into it?

I have to say I have been painting or drawing for as long as I can remember. One of my designs, The sunshine pattern, is a design a drew as a little girl and it hasn't changed much. Friends use to say " If its standing still, Julianne will paint it." I painted furniture, walls, fabric.etc. The ceramics though came into play about 12 yrs ago. My best girl friend, Wendy Lee Lynds, and I decide one day to go to one of those paint your own ceramic stores..........Well its been history since then. I found a medium I really enjoyed and it is totally functional along w/being art. I like that!


Where do you get the ideas for your creations?

I'm inspired by my surroundings and experiences. I'm also inspired by inspiration it self. I try and paint things to invoke some sort of response and hopefully that response will be a smile and joyfulness. I have a line called "Give back to Africa" and this line was all based on my trip to Zambia last year. On my travels all these designs were brewing in me. I knew when I got home I had a lot of work to get done.......:0) I also new that I had to use part of my sales to give back to the women and children of Africa. I think I'm most proud of this line because it involves my two loves. Creating and giving back and helping others.


Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Why?

Honestly, I see my self being able to travel and giving back to others because my art is fully supporting me and those I want to go help. Its the dream and I'm going to keep dreaming it! I would love to write a childrens book and illistrate it with my designs, fabric with my designs and all things that go with that............


If you could start over is there anything you would do differently?

No I don't really think I would. I think each step forward or backwards has defined me and helped develop me as an artist and business women.

Do you work at your art/craft full time or do you have another job?

I'm a full timer! Well let me say, I have the freedom to work at it full time. Weather I'm always working well that's a different story! :0) My husband has given me the freedom to be an artist and devote myself to it. I am blessed to be able to have a studio in the house and work from home.


Who do you admire (artist or otherwise)? Why?

I admire people who follow their dreams and their beliefs. Artist and non artist. I surround myself with people I admire so I can continued to be inspired. One of the people I admired so much was my father..........He was, is, my hero. I also admire Mother Teresa, her unfailing love and service to others is awesome.


What tips would you have for someone that is just starting out?

Try to surround yourself with people who believe in you first and foremost. Believe in yourself. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Be open to growing in your art and allow yourself to self discovery. Never stop evolving...........

Be sure to check out her Etsy shop...

Etsy Buy Handmade Eclecticclayworks