Julika Pettigrew
Form, colour and light - key elements in my career as an interior architect. Since giving up work, for family reasons, I have found a fulfilling creative outlet by translating these into my abstract paintings. I draw inspiration from built or natural environments. I am fascinated by the energy I sense between various forms. In my art, I explore the correlation between different two-dimensional shapes. I apply acrylic paint in multiple layers with scrapers and objects. The initial stages are intuitive and result in preliminary positive and negative shapes. Later, I curate the composition of form and light.
Julika Pettigrew, studio, London, UK
I am a ‘materials person’, with a love for textured surfaces. Creating intricate textures with my tools, brings me full circle in my ‘second career’ as an artist. I seek to convey a sense of positivity and wonder through an invigorating play of marks and colours. I endeavour to create a connection through the my rich textures and details. These allow the viewer’s eye to wander on from the focal points and discover intricate patterns, marks or scribbled words, describing affirmations or feelings that allow the viewer to tap into their own.
Working with paint allows me to use dozens of different tools and ways to apply the paint in varying depths, and to manipulate its surface. This results in a variety of finishes, surfaces and edges: rough and smooth, clean or feathered. Creating these intricate textures and details is what motivates me to spend hours on each of my pieces
What do you love about your studio?
“My workspace has white walls and floors, a roof light and one fully glazed side. I love the airy-ness, and the fact I can see the sunlight move across the walls, depending of the time of day, and year. I look out into several different trees. This green view soothes and inspires me.”
See more from Julika http://julikapettigrewart.com
Follow on Instagram @julika_pettigrew_art