Out of the Comfort Zone

Sitting down with Kevin Ivester at Davis Gallery Saturday 

Except for brief moments in my life, I would describe myself as a confirmed introvert. When I walk into a restaurant, I find myself heading for my table with my head all but down and my eyes focused on where I'm going, instead of looking around for familiar faces like my (very) extroverted husband does. I'd generally rather stay home than go out, and I am absolutely energized by and fine with time in my own space, in my own head, outdoors or indoors, and I'm really quite happy in the back row. I'm a really good listener!

While these preferences serve me very well when I'm painting, sometimes things like workshops and Artist Talks pop into my orbit, and then I'm challenged to step outside of my comfort zone. Anxiety creeps in and pushes me to over-prepare, and then magically, the thing happens and it goes well and my world is just fine again. Actually, it's better than just fine, because I learn that I'm capable of more than I expected, and maybe I enjoyed whatever it was, and it's often likely others did as well. This is growth, and it's really important for those of us who are introverts to allow ourselves the opportunity to have experiences we wouldn't normally embrace. 

All this to say, I sincerely enjoyed my conversation with Kevin Ivester Saturday afternoon at Davis Gallery here in Austin.  And I really appreciated those who came and asked questions and were interested in my story and what I had to say. It's humbling to have others respect and enjoy my work, and talking about what I love, (even publicly), now ranks pretty high on my list.

-julie davis

*Earth, Land, Property stays up through December 1

837 West 12th

Austin

Cross-training

The Drive

8 x 10, oil on panel

$800, available at Davis Gallery, Austin

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a wonderful week surrounded by those you love. Our girls return home for the holiday, and I've begun cooking--baking, really. Naturally, I have put my art on hold for a few days. I always think of exercising creative muscle in a different way is a bit like cross-training. I know l need that break from the routine to make me freshly eager to create, and I do come back to my studio with new ideas and a feeling of anticipation that almost makes my easel seem magnetic.

I hope you all get that break this week. If you want an infusion of art on Saturday as part of that break and are in Austin, stop into the gallery that represents me from 2:00-4:00. I'll be stretching my public speaking muscle with Gallery Director Kevin Iverson, answering questions about my process, and showing some studies and materials I use. I'd love to see you. And it's not a bad place to pick up a pretty killer Christmas gift. :) 

-julie davis

Davis Gallery

837 West 12th St.

Austin, Texas

512.477.4929

Artist Talk Nov. 24 @ Davis Gallery

First, I want to express my sincere thanks to my collectors, friends, and family who came to the opening of Earth, Land, Property. Twelve of my paintings sold at the opening--I deeply appreciate the return collectors and those new to enjoying my work who have given these pieces a home. It makes me extremely happy to be able to do what I love and to have others love it, too!

I also wanted to share that I'll be at Davis Gallery on the afternoon of Saturday, November 24, at 2 pm, doing an Artist Talk / Q&A with Kevin Ivester, the Gallery Director. It will be an informal discussion of my process, how I got started painting, my art and my goals, and wherever the discussion leads us! I'd love to see both new and familiar faces there--it's open to collectors and artists alike!

Below are a few photos I took right before the opening. When things got busy, the photography stopped. Who really wants to be taking photos at an opening, anyway?!

-julie davis