Julia Hamilton: The Time Between
“The Time Before seems carefree by comparison to the months of the pandemic. We look forward to The Time After. Are we there yet? How will we remember The Time Between? Works in this exhibit were inspired by my experiences during the pandemic.”
- Julia Hamilton
Hamilton, a Columbus-based artist and Columbus College of Art and Design alumni (MFA 2019, Fine Arts) is exhibiting twelve paintings at our gallery plus a large glass-box installation. All pieces were completed (or started) during the pandemic. The glass block installation is an ongoing work, in-progress for as long as Covid continues to be so much worse than the flu.
Artist Bio:
Julia Hamilton enjoys creating intricate line drawings, brilliant mixed media artwork, and intriguing digital paintings in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. She has loved creating art since childhood. Her artwork has been referred to as “graceful-yet-intense.”
Hamilton began working in oils and acrylics in her teens. While attending Dublin Coffman High School, she attended art lessons at Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD), where she learned the basics of drawing and painting. At the age of 18, she was awarded top 25 (Governor's Medallion) in a state-wide competition for a painting titled, “Sheep."
After graduating from high school, Hamilton attended University of Cincinnati, majoring in Fine Art. She soon became disillusioned with art school, switching to Information Technology (IT). She graduated with a bachelor degree in Computer Science and has enjoyed a lengthy, successful career working in IT, all the while maintaining art as her true passion and stabilizing foundation.
In 2008, Hamilton began challenging herself, taking on the cosmos using pointillism. She completed a series of drawings in felt pen on clay board, inspired by Hubble images. Her style became airier and more abstract. Eventually she began incorporating intricate patterns into her artwork, and her style evolved into an abstract variation of art nouveau.
In 2011, Hamilton completed her first major piece entitled "Quantum Flux" using her art nouveau style. This began a series of abstract artwork relating to science, nature,and the cosmos. This new style renewed her passion for her artwork, making it an essential part of her daily life.
In 2014, Hamilton began painting on her iPad with her finger, creating artwork using the same art nouveau style. Her background in IT made using technology in the creation of artwork a natural fit. She began showing her work in 2014 and established an art practice (Art by Julia Hamilton, LLC).
In 2015, Hamilton began using alcohol ink to add bold, unstructured components to her artwork. She sometimes lights the alcohol ink on fire, letting the flames create interesting shapes and textures. She began making synesthesia-inspired artwork in 2015.
In 2017, Hamilton was able to make art her full-time profession by going part-time at her IT job.
In 2019, Hamilton graduated from CCAD's Master of Fine Art program in 2019. At CCAD, she learned how to make installation work. She is currently focusing on physical installations and mixed media paintings.
In 2021, Hamilton began a body of work that reflects on the pandemic
July 2 - August 27, 2022
Public Reception, August 6, 4-8pm
Columbus Dispatch Article: Mesmerizing works reflect impact of music, pandemic and politics
Virtual show platforms:
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Instagram @seanchristophergallery