Julia Dover

Originally from South Africa and now based in Sydney, JULIA DOVER is an artist to watch. With a history in sculpture, painting, drawing, mixed media art, wood work and silver-smithing, Julia’s abstract and acrylic flow art brings about chaotic harmony.

Hi Julia! Please tell us a little about yourself.

Hi my name is Julia Dover. I am from Sydney, Australia but originally from South Africa. In the past I have studied sculpture, painting, drawing, mixed media art, wood work and silver-smithing. I come from a very artistic family and have always been encouraged to develop and pursue my creativity. My mother was my biggest inspiration as a child and I wanted to paint and draw just like her.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from nature and emotion and have always been inspired by the colours and style of Africa art.

How messy does it get when you’re making a piece?

I’m happiest when I’m covered in paint. It recharges my soul. ‘Messy hands, happy heart’ is how I always sign off in my YouTube description. I love to throw my “splashes of colour” around and become one with the piece.

Do you have a specific creative space / studio where you make your art?

At the moment I don’t have a specific place I create my art. My favourite places are to either be creating outdoors, my little studio or the kitchen/dining room. Depending on how big the piece is that I’m working on.

What are some of your favourite movies?

Some of my favourite movies are Training Day, Enough, We’re the Millers, Unbreakable, High Crimes, Pretty Woman, Love Actually and the Lion King.

What style of music do you like the listen to when you are creating?

When I am creating my music choice depends on how I’m feeling but my go to genre would be pop, rock, r’n’b, reggae, grunge, funk, I listen to a bit of everything

What do you do when you run out of ideas and get stuck?

I don’t often run out of ideas and get stuck as I find inspiration from the smallest things. Recently I saw a mug with cutlery in it, sitting in the sink. It reminded me of a bird so with clay, knives and forks I created a quirky, rainbow ostrich/cockatoo/ rooster.

Other than art, what else are you passionate about?

Other than art I am passionate about science, nature, music, fashion, animal and human psychology as well as mental health awareness. Helping others in need and educating them is something I’d like to one day incorporate with art.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Cuddle my kitten and play with my dog and puppy.

@juliadoverart