Julie Appleton
Artist Statement
Perception
Have you ever walked around the streets of a big city, or been at a busy event and thought, “There is no way all of these people are living as extensive of life as my own”? Sonder is that! This is
the realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as yours within our ever-changing world. Slowing down and viewing others with intention pushes this concept of Sonder through recognizing individuality, thereby growing our ability to perceive each other differently.
Two main ideas are present in this work: self-awareness of our human experience, and awareness of stranger’s experiences too. These paintings display our connection to each other, and encourage you to have your own perception of the figures depicted. Within the theme of
self-awareness, the artist explores the connection to herself and to those important in her own life. Abstract qualities of the paintings leave a sense of mystique and question, alluding to the journey of
self-expression and emotion. Within the theme of stranger-awareness, other pieces reveal such strangers in their element and with special people they love. Examples of this include an elderly couple, a girl playing the piano, and players in a band. In all these paintings, we are able to see a small glimpse into their lives and passions. Hand-made canvases wrap into the idea that we nurture our relationships with our individuality. Appreciate those around you and see that people all have vivid and complex lives as our own.
