Julie Tarling

Artist statement

Within a digitally framed medium, I push to give expressive form to the inner voices that emerge from the depths of mental illness. These works serve as both a voice to my personal journey of thoughts and feelings as well as the experiences of my loved ones who have faced mental health challenges. In my life, art holds the weighted intention of healing– an opportunity to illustrate the unsaid and give beauty to the hardships of the human experience. My combination of works explore emotions of fear, doubt, isolation, and captivity. I pushed to make these works beautiful to exhibit that within the struggles, there is quiet beauty waiting to be known.

My pieces explore different vital body parts as both a vital and vulnerable source of existence, using motion design to symbolize the rhythmic dance of the physical body. I hope to inspire a deeper understanding of the duality of the human body as both sustaining as well as a reflection of the weight of one's emotions. Having these conversations gives light to the unspoken war of the mind, aiming to foster connection and advocacy.

Originally, I had anticipated using just digital elements, however, I decided to incorporate more drawing with an apple pen and Ipad through photoshop. I also planned on presenting my works through framed posters. I have decided to use screens instead because the colors and detail pop better on a digital platform. The final detail which I am continuing to work on is making my work interactive and textured through motion design. I want the pieces to physically jump off the paper and connect with the rhythmic dance of the human body. This will depict breathing lungs, a tear fall, and a beating heart. I look forward to exploring this possibility in the next couple months as the show nears closer.