“Iris took about 2 years to complete… I threw her across the room at times and nearly gave up… but she almost called to me, demanding to be completed.”
Crafting Worlds from Color: The Artistic Journey of Juliet Hillbrand
Juliet Hillbrand, an artist whose work has touched collectors on five continents, began her artistic journey in her birthplace of Houston, Texas. Painting is a passion she has pursued for nearly a decade, serving as both a creative outlet and a form of meditation for her. With her works displayed in galleries from New York City to Rome to Paris, Hillbrand’s artistic reach captures the attention of art lovers worldwide. Her unique blend of abstraction and realism has garnered her recognition in prestigious publications like “International Contemporary Masters,” “Current World Masters,” and being named in DESTIG Magazine’s “Top Artists of the Year 2019.” Hillbrand’s art has also been featured in various esteemed platforms, including Saatchi Art Gallery and ArtFinder, positioning her as a formidable presence in the contemporary art scene.
From a young age, Hillbrand was drawn to the world of art, a passion that was reignited during her late teens. She recently found an old sketch of hers, a canoe on a lake. Next to it, a note written in nearly illegible child’s handwriting – “I love art”. It serves as a testament to her early love for creating and expression. Despite a period of self-doubt where she questioned her creative abilities, it was the rediscovery of painting with friends at 19 that rekindled her artistic spirit. This led to the creation of her first significant piece, “Iris: The Goddess of Growth,” a work that took two years to complete and stands as a pivotal moment in her career. This split-canvas masterpiece, characterized by cascading flowers and intricate details, remains Hillbrand’s favorite work to date. Iris is a symbol of her perseverance and artistic vision. Despite receiving numerous offers from collectors, the artist has chosen to keep the original, allowing its prints to resonate with a broader audience.
Juliet Hillbrand: The Fusion of Nature and Art
Hillbrand’s artistic style is a harmonious blend of abstraction and realism, with Mother Nature serving as her primary muse. Her work often embodies the four classical elements—Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water—each piece capturing the essence of these natural forces. Through a combination of whimsical brushstrokes and medium mixing, Hillbrand creates visually intriguing landscapes that invite viewers to explore the depths of her imagination. By incorporating diverse materials such as water, resin, ink, and sand – she adds a tactile dimension to her art that brings the natural world into a contemporary context.
Her collections are diverse, ranging from vibrant nature scenes to monochromatic depictions of the female form. This contrast reflects Hillbrand’s own multifaceted personality— warm and whimsical on one hand, dark and mysterious on the other. The black-and-white series, in particular, highlights the enigmatic qualities of women, portraying them as divine and life-giving beings with a quiet strength. In contrast, her ocean-themed collection showcases her deep connection to water, an element that resonates with her despite being a fire sign. This collection is an homage to her love for the ocean and features scenes that evoke the fluidity and power of water, further demonstrating Hillbrand’s ability to channel the forces of nature into her art.
A standout piece from Hillbrand’s portfolio is “Neverland,” a surrealistic work from the Ocean Energy collection. This piece was later used as an album cover and depicts a tiny ship escaping through an oceanic portal while an oversized whale swims overhead in the clouds. The dreamy, cosmic scene provokes a sense of wonder and escapism, embodying the ethereal qualities of the mythical Neverland. This piece is significant not only for its visual impact but also because it represents one of the few times she believes she has successfully merged surrealism with realism. It stands as a testament to her evolving artistic journey and her desire to push the boundaries of her creativity.
Organized Chaos: The Creative Space of Juliet Hillbrand
Hillbrand describes her workspace as “organized chaos,” a reflection of the dynamic and spontaneous nature of her creative process. While she ensures that all her tools are within easy reach, her studio layout remains flexible, allowing her the freedom to experiment and express herself without constraints. The space is meticulously arranged by color and medium – with designated areas for various tools, including watercolors, calligraphy, charcoal, oil paints, pastels, and even 3D elements like rocks and sparkles. This organizational strategy enables Hillbrand to maintain a balance between order and creativity, providing her with the structure she needs while still fostering an environment of artistic exploration.
The artist’s connection to Mother Nature extends beyond her artwork and into her studio environment. She often finds inspiration in the natural world, capturing images of trees, sunsets, and other small details that others might overlook. These natural elements often find their way into her work, serving as both a muse and a medium. This deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world is mirrored in her artistic influences, which include renowned figures like Monet, as well as contemporary artists such as Erin Hanson, Kim Rose, and Dimitra Milan. Each of these influences contributes to Hillbrand’s unique style, blending traditional techniques with modern sensibilities to create art that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Hillbrand’s approach to art is one of constant evolution, reflecting her belief that creativity should never be confined to a single medium or style. Although she has experimented with various techniques over the years, her preferred mediums are acrylic and resin, which she uses to create abstract functional art pieces like guitars, tables, coasters, surfboards, and longboards. This versatility not only showcases her technical skill but also her desire to keep pushing the boundaries of what art can be. For Hillbrand, art is a lifelong journey that will continue to evolve as she explores new ideas and techniques.
Juliet Hillbrand: The Eternal Dance Between Abstraction and Realism
Hillbrand’s artistic philosophy is rooted in the belief that art should be a reflection of life—everchanging and never static. As a self-taught artist, she has developed her style through years of experimentation and a willingness to embrace the unknown. This openness to new ideas is evident in her work, where she often combines abstraction with realism, creating pieces that challenge traditional notions of what art should be. For Hillbrand, there is no “finish line” in art; instead, it is a continuous process of growth and change, one that is deeply personal and always open to new inspiration.
One of the most significant aspects of Hillbrand’s work is her ability to leave her pieces open to interpretation. She does not impose a specific meaning or narrative on her art, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions and find a personal significance in each piece. This approach not only engages the audience on a deeper level but also reflects Hillbrand’s belief that art should be a conduit of visual healing. By creating work that is open-ended and filled with layers of meaning, she invites viewers to embark on their unique journey of discovery.
Looking forward, Hillbrand envisions her art continuing to evolve, with a particular interest in further exploring the interplay between abstraction and realism. Although she feels she has only scratched the surface of what she can achieve in this genre, she is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Whether through new techniques or different mediums, the international artist remains committed to pushing the boundaries of her creativity. Her ultimate goal is not to seek fame or recognition but to create art that resonates with others, sparking inspiration and healing in those who encounter her work. For Juliet Hillbrand, painting is more than just a profession; it is a lifelong passion and calling that will continue to shape her journey as an artist.
Shop Juliet’s work at www.JulietHillbrand.com
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