WAVES 2024

Inspired by the waves of the Aegean Sea

The Waves Project, inspired by the dynamic movements of the sea, delves into the theme of human connection, revealing the profound ties between people, cultures, and nature.

This artistic journey begins with the artist's deep-rooted connection to a small Cycladic island, where geographical roots influence personal expression and creativity.

Through her medium of clay, the artist channels the fluidity of waves, using the metaphor of the vessel—both in the form of boats navigating the sea and ceramic pots she crafts—to symbolize communication and communion.

Just as boats carry people, ideas, and cultures across the sea, the ceramic vessels carry the essence of life's philosophy.
The shaping process, influenced by drops of water and guided by the artist's hands, reflects the unique individuality of each person and the constant flux of existence.
As the vessels take form, they embody the journey of life, with its highs and lows represented by the waves adorning their rims. Yet, there is a deeper unity beneath the surface, where individual drops merge into the vastness of the ocean, symbolizing the interconnectedness of humanity.
She doesn't limit herself to traditional techniques but rather embraces a fusion of methods from various mediums, utilizing techniques such as slab, coil, and hand building. This approach allows the vessels to develop organically, mirroring the natural flow of life.

By adapting tools and processes, she creates textures, patinas, and forms reminiscent of the natural elements found along coastlines —rippling waves, weathered rocks, and salt-encrusted surfaces—emphasizing the maritime inspiration of her work.
The firing process is symbolic of the transformative journey undergone by both the vessels and the individuals they represent. Through heat and pressure, the vessels acquire depth and character, much like people evolving through life's experiences.

 Her preference for hand-building ceramics with simple tools reflects a commitment to authenticity and the celebration of imperfection, embracing the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi, which finds beauty in simplicity, asymmetry, and the patina of age.

Each piece of Julie's ceramics invites viewers to engage in a contemplative dialogue, embodying fluidity and transformation and symbolizing the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.
Through her exploration of the unspoken language of objects, Julie encourages a multisensory response, prompting viewers to interpret and interact with her creations on a deeply personal level.
In essence, the Waves Project eloquently illustrates the profound interconnectedness of humanity, nature, and creative expression, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty and complexity of existence.