Local artist Julie Robertson has something to celebrate this month. The Solihull College & University Centre graduate has been named a finalist in the second Global Art Awards recognising excellence and innovation in art and design. Julie will be going forward to the grand final of the prestigious awards taking place at the FIVE Jumeirah Palm Dubai on 21st November 2018.
Multi-disciplinary Artist Julie earned her Fine Art degree at the College from 2003-2006 after completing a foundation course in 1999 and heading back to study after her children went to school. She knew she wanted to be an artist from 5 years old after entering and winning a competition to produce a poster on road safety.
Julie’s love for art has resulted in her teaching workshops and community courses in Olton for others with a passion for the subject. ‘I like to pay it forward’ Julie adds, ‘the college really inspired me to grow in confidence and believe in myself so it’s important for me to help and support others. Much of my work is around the themes of humanity and equality’.
Julie’s submitted piece ‘Drowning Not Waving’ will be heading to Dubai this month in the hope of winning the award. The installation features 36 porcelain hands reaching from the ground, containing quotes, some seen, others concealed. She hopes it raises questions about the universal concept of helping fellow humans and offering a hand.
Julie will have the chance to be named The Best Global Artist of 2018, which is awarded to one outstanding overall winner, who will also win an exhibition in Abu Dhabi as well as the life-long title.
Julie’s exhibition attempts are consistently self-funded and she was gifted a donation from her former College to help her in her submission. ‘I have no words to describe how that felt’ she admits.
Dubbed “The Oscars for the Visual Arts”, The Global Art Awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of artists from across the globe. With 16 visual arts categories, ranging from photography, street art, illustration and painting to awards recognising individual artists. Julie is up against 6 other entries in her category.
“It’s a great honour to be named a finalist in the Global Art Awards and I am delighted to be able to join such a fantastic, roll-call of artistic talent heading for the awards in Dubai. These awards really do single out the best, most exciting artists working today, to celebrate their achievements, and I am honoured to be among them.”
Joëlle Dinnage, Founder and Director of the Global Art Awards said, “We created the awards a year ago to establish an inspirational international art competition on a global scale. This year, standards have been exceptionally high and the competition has been fierce across all categories. Congratulations to all the finalists. We look forward to seeing them in Dubai.”
To see more of Julie’s work visit http;//www.jkrart.weebly.com
Find out more about Solihull College & University Centre’s Art & Design courses.
