Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Chi Tran.
Julie Chi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and grew up in Vietnam. My childhood was adorned with colorful chalk drawings on the concrete backyard and girly doodling all over any scrap paper I could find. When I got to choose my reward for being on the honor roll, it was a set of 48 colored pencils. For a 7-year-old me, it was a treasure. Until this day, it still feels like a treasure every time I hold colorful paints in my hand.
At 20 years of age, I came to America for college and eventually settled in Dallas, Texas. I pursue a career in nursing and currently work full-time in a hospital, caring for mothers and newborn babies. Despite all the ups and downs in life, my passion for art has always been bubbling through my veins.
Once I started to pick up the brush again after (million) years, I could not stop. The home was quickly filled with my artwork. I slowly gained enough courage to call myself a self-taught artist and started sharing my works on social media, from here my artistic journey began.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road. It is a constant challenge finding time to feed my art quest. My studio time equals my toddler’s nap time, plus all the scattered spare minutes during the day (if I am lucky to have some). When I need to work on a larger piece or when my creative juice flows, you would find me in the studio between 11 pm- 4 am.
Oh, and did I say “studio”? This is my definition: kitchen table or a corner of my dad’s tiny office room. I am planning on a real studio space where I can function more effectively as an artist.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My artworks are greatly inspired by nature, especially plants and flowers. It is for sure a learning curve, but I am more geared toward modern impressionism art that presents the bare impression of form. My painting style focuses on unblended color and bare, visible brushstrokes.
What am I most proud of My family and friends all know that I am a super introvert? Sharing my paintings with the world means a lot of self-doubts to overcome. Through this art journey, I am able to teach my kids to pursue what their hearts desire with great determination and passion.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
There is a diverse mix of art & culture options in Dallas. As a self-taught artist, I love my easy access to art education resources such as the local libraries and several renowned museums in Dallas. Several art events throughout the year create great opportunities to meet other artists and connect with the audience and art community.
Contact Info:
- Email: juliechiart@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/juliechi.art
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuPvMtIiAMbB-9agQ6bgn1A
Image Credits
Julie Chi
