Julie Gilroy

is an abstract artist, who is driven by a bold love of colour and form, exploring both textile and coloured pencil mediums. Originally from England she is now based in Brisbane, Australia

Julie studied design at Buckinghamshire Art College, discovering her affinity for textiles, and knitwear, and began a career as a fashion designer for major brands around the globe.  She has since grown her art practice through numerous private commissions and group shows, with a solo show scheduled for May 2023.

Her abstract work centres around the exploration of life’s paths, experiences and support structures. Colourful, graphic shapes and spaces symbolise the forces, layers and complexity of our lives.

Pursuing her passion for pattern and texture Julie has developed techniques across various mediums.

“I embrace techniques that bring handcrafted qualities and textural surfaces to my colourful geometric designs. I want people to feel the human connection with the pieces. Combining textile or plush yarns on linen backgrounds create tactile artworks full of warmth and texture. To contrast that art with a flatter medium I began working with coloured pencils, honing a technique to achieve vivid colour. I use museum quality pencils on wood board, to build vibrant layers which are softened and enriched by the timber grain and the lines of each individual pencil stroke. The repetition required by these techniques is part of my art process, I find them a truly calming experience to create.”