Page 8 - Demo

8|decemBer 2022
Julie Warren Conn Explores the Power of Expression in Stone
SlIppery rock GazeTTe
Viage
Tennessee Coral Rouge Marble
24” W x 15” H x 15” D
“Viage was recently delivered to clients in Knoxville, who purchased one of my early works of the same Tennessee Coral Rouge Marble in 1985. The very first piece of stone I acquired came from the old Gray Knox Marble Company in Knoxville. (My father purchased that plant years later to become part of his pre-cast concrete plant.) I hauled the heavy raw stone to my UT art class, and with hammer and chisel began chip- ping away. I only roughed out the piece and found the process too difficult to consider as a profession. Ten years later, a friend visiting from Italy offered to complete the piece. He was working at the Marble Shop in Knoxville. I got heavily involved and once the polishing began, I had found my passion! The stone is spectacular! I asked to work at the plant of the Marble Shop and the rest is history. The men in the mill taught me the craft of working stone in a more expedi- ent manner. I never returned to sculpting
in metal.”
Bianca, Alabama Marble
14˝ H x 12˝ W x 10˝ D
Continued from page 3
Plans for the Future
Julie’s work continues to evolve, and after the accident, she’s even more deter- mined to keep doing it, with no plans to stop, ever. Traveling with her husband Philip half of the time, and working her craft the other half is a real balancing act, and challenging, because she’s also a mother and a grandmother.
“What has kept me going is that I’m always trying to achieve that masterpiece, but I’ve never quite gotten it. My sculp- ture All Creatures possibly comes closest. That said, it’s important to get the work out there for several reasons. When my work means something to someone else and they want to have it, that’s special for me. Additionally, through the years, the more I could sell, the more I could afford to improve my working conditions, my tools, and keep advancing.
“Some artists are so shy and cannot work directly with clients, and that’s where galleries come in to play. But gal- leries push you in a certain direction. I love the craft, the business, the numbers and working with the clients. I love all of it, the entire process, even though it’s such hard work. But, if you have a will, there’s a way. My work is going to remain the
same, and hopefully continue to be as good as my work from the past, retain the qual- ity I’ve reached in the past. I still have the drive, and can still enjoy the things in life that most people enjoy – and feel very, very lucky, because I’ve had enough success to keep working.
“The accident certainly changed me, took its toll, and I can live with it. However, there still is a lot of nerve pain and my hand will never be the same. I can still work, but after a year of recovery and inaction, I don’t have the strength that I used to. Part of aging is you slow down, and part of injury is it takes you out for a long time. Yet, I wouldn’t feel as old as I am, if I hadn’t had the injuries I’ve had.
“As for up-and-coming artists, I feel that if you’ve been given any kind of gift and you don’t use it, it’s a real waste. So, fol- low your passion and follow your dream. Whatever your goal is, work to achieve it. Whatever experience you can get, get it. Don’t be afraid to strive for what you want.”
Julie is currently working on three com- missions. After almost 50 years “in the busi- ness,” her work is sold privately through reputation and word of mouth, and is not available in galleries. To learn more about Julie, view her work, her processes and her available sculptures, visit her stunning web- site at www.juliewarrenconn.com .
Back to Back, Bronze, Ed. of 9
22˝ H x 17˝ W x 9˝ D
The male/female figures represent the unity of a couple working together. Back to Back became the prototype for creating the large- scale figures for the Maker’s Mark Distillery commission, The Founders.
Fallen Angel, Bronze, Ed. of 9
17˝ H x 8˝ W x 4˝ D
Mishima (Warrior Series)
Vermont Marble
50˝H x15˝Wx 8˝D
“One of many warrior sculptures created throughout the years, Mishima was carved during the period my father was passing away. I shed many tears as I beat on the extremely tough piece of Vermont Marble. Rigid symmetry and textural contrast define the form. I would love to cast this sculpture
in a large scale in bronze for a client.