BIOGRAPHY

Julie Johnston was born in Vancouver and is now living in South Surrey with her family. Johnston studied Fine Arts and English Literature at UBC and has a BA, BEd, and MEd in Art Education. In tandem with her artistic career, Johnston has been an art educator for twenty-five years. Johnston’s work is currently inspired by three subjects:  British Columbia’s West Coast landscapes, the Italian Renaissance and graffiti. Her interest in land and waterscapes drew her to the art of Emily Carr, W.P. Weston and the Group of Seven. A pivotal UBC Fine Arts History course on the Renaissance led to a life-long interest in Italy. On the streets of Europe she was also drawn to the bright typography of graffiti artists, a natural attraction for this long-time calligrapher. Johnston has focused primarily on a West Coast Arbutus Series and has begun transitioning into work that will combine her three favorite subjects: landscape, the Renaissance and graffiti. Her work also includes illustration, photography, sculpture and digital media. Johnston is a member of several art associations, including the Society of Canadian Artists, the Federation of Canadian Artists and the North Vancouver Arts Council.