Julie Purdie is an artist living and working in the Hunter Valley.
She is also a practising clinical optometrist and uses her knowledge of vision science to inform her creative process.
Julie is interested in creating work that references the various stages of human visual perception that occur as we interpret the world around us.
After creating digital and paper sketches she uses these drawings to inspire abstract photography, with long-exposures and camera movement, or to become acrylic or oil paintings, often using sgraffito, layers or masking techniques to reveal various stages of visual processing.
Her work explores the interactions between vision, memory and consciousness. This often results in fragmented, distorted and simplified images that convey the emotion of a moment more than the details.
By using methods to highlight various elements of visual perception she aims to reveal unique viewpoints and meaning.
EXHIBITIONS, AWARDS AND PRIZES
2024 Finalist – National Emerging Art Prize – Morning mist lifting
2024 Winner – Newcastle Club Foundation Art Prize - Staff Choice – Early morning views towards the Hunter River
2024 Finalist – Waverley Woollahra Art School 9 x 5 Prize – Dormer windows in Morpeth
2024 Finalist – Waverley Woollahra Art School 9 x 5 Prize – Sorghum and red natal grass near Oakey
2024 Finalist – Hunter Emerging Art Prize – Painting – Deuteranomalous Quipolly
2024 Finalist – Hunter Emerging Art Prize – Photomedia – Easy oar
2023 Finalist – Newcastle Club Foundation Art Prize – The Long Bridge in flood
2022 Finalist – Blackstone Gallery Works on Paper Prize – Driving past cotton crops and memories
2022 Group exhibition “12 Days of Christmas – 12 Amazing Local Artists” – Maitland CBD
2022 Bottlebrushes acquired by Joe Eisenberg OAM for the Eisenberg Wilton Collection
2021 Shortlisted – Australian Photography Awards – Landscape Category – Through the trees 1
2018 Winner - Hunter Valley Grammar Inspired Art Exhibition - Best Emerging Artist