Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Engle.
Hi Julia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Such a loaded question! I’ve always enjoyed doodling and coloring, making a mess, doing a craft. When I was in first grade, I colored a picture of a bunch of grapes with the most beautiful royal purple crayon. I wanted the grapes to appear plump and juicy, and in my six-year-old imagination that meant to add some color outside of the lines. Well, my teacher disagreed with my creative license and said I didn’t complete the assignment. The feeling I had as a response to being told my creativity was somehow wrong became part of my origin story. It felt like fuel.
I studied art history and painting in college before dropping out to work and fund my untreated alcoholism. I got sober in 2016, but I did not paint for many years out of fear and imposter syndrome. That changed on my five-year “soberversary,” when my celebratory plans fell through and I found myself with some old painting supplies and a blank canvas. I had nothing to lose, so I dusted off the paintbrush and gave it hell. That day, a beast was awakened. A passionate, colorful, creative beast. The beast has evolved in recent years, as my passion for human rights and justice has led me to law school. While the direction has changed, I don’t think I would have had the courage to pursue a career in public service without art, and I wouldn’t have anything without sobriety (nine years this July!).
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?
Absolutely not, but I’m glad for that – smooth roads are treacherous and slippery! I’ve had some physical challenges as an artist, and human. I had part of my spine fused in 2023, and standing for long periods of time is no longer an option. I do my best and I have learned to rest when I need to. The biggest struggle for me overall as an artist has been imposter syndrome. I’ve questioned my own audacity over the years. Who am I to think that someone would want to hang my art in their home? That someone would spend their hard-earned money on one of my paintings? That I can pursue law school at 37 and make a difference? How dare I! I think humility, for me, sometimes comes from a fear of humiliation. Though if I have to choose between having the audacity and never doing anything that scares me – I’ll have the audacity, with relish.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
By day, I work as a senior marketing lead for a healthcare company. By night, up until recently, I was earning my BA in Criminology and studying for the LSAT, though my evenings will soon be spent in law school classes. And in all other spare time, I am an oil painter, though I love experimenting with acrylic as well. I’m known for my large, abstract works and use of color. The feeling I have when someone walks by a painting, then doubles back to look at it again will never get old, and never be taken for granted. As proud as I am of my artwork, I will admit at the risk of sounding trite that I am also incredibly proud of my undergraduate degree. Before I got sober, I was a college dropout and on the precipice of losing my job, my freedom and my life. I have spent the last 3 years working full-time in corporate marketing while also attending school full-time, and managed to graduate Magna Cum Laude. Because of how I lived my life while I was still drinking, I often forget that I am capable of more than I realize, or think I deserve.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My dogs. Rumours by Fleetwood Mac on vinyl. Color. A clever, dirty joke. Live music. An off-balanced ratio of frosting to cupcake, in favor of the frosting. Watching my nieces grow up into such lovely humans. Experiences that make me feel small. My clients and friends that have chosen to incorporate my art into their lives and homes. Happiness may be the wrong sentiment for these things, as I find happiness can be fickle and fleeting. Rather, I find joy in these things. Contentment. Sustained gratification. I cope better with life when I take the pressure off of myself to be happy all the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.englefineart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englefineart/
Image Credits
Bri Photography
