Image copyright: Alex Baigas Photography

Artist Statement

My work is influenced by everything equine or equestrian: the symbolism, power, history, and beauty connected to the horse and all that encompasses it. Horses have been recognized for their noble and valiant character for centuries, and the progression of civilizations depended substantially on the abilities of their horses. I love how the horse personifies the contrast of steel and velvet because even though it is strong and powerful, it also possesses a gentle and soft nature. I never tire of learning about them in every way you can think of. I find that assessing the horse through direct and indirect observation helps me to capture the truest representations of it in my work, whether I'm on the ground observing, riding, or researching. I aim to search out the whys and hows in my work through endless repetition and exploration of horses and Equestrianism. Why are we drawn to them, why are they so majestic, how do they work mechanically and mentally? How do we respond to them, how do I respond to them?

A few renowned equine artists of the past that inspire me are George Stubbs, Sir Alfred Munnings, and Rosa Bonheur. Integrating the spirit and style of these artists with my own helps me form a contemporary look where I can merge my respect for traditional ideas with my own ways of expression. Several key principles that embody my work are Beauty, Form Rendered, Intentionality, Color Theory, and Scale.

Another key element to my work is my Christian faith which has been a major foundational influence in my life: the values, feelings, change, and struggles I have experienced through knowing God I hope will be reflected in my work. My passion for art and adoration of the horse I accept to be gifts from God to be used and enjoyed and in return given to others.

Artist Bio

Julie Ferris grew up in the Atlanta, Georgia area and moved to Savannah, Georgia in 2008 to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design. She received her BFA from SCAD and competed on the IHSA SCAD Equestrian team throughout her college career. She knew going into school that she wanted to ultimately pursue a career as an equestrian artist. With a major in Painting and a minor in Equine Studies, in 2013, she started her art business specializing in equine portraiture and other equine-inspired works.

After living in Savannah for seven years, Julie moved back to her hometown of Atlanta and is currently living in Buckhead. In 2015, she participated in her first solo exhibit including a body of ten works titled EQ: The Aesthetic Response. In September 2016, she put on her second solo exhibit titled The Art Horse: Series I at The Grand Bohemian Gallery in Savannah. She has since participated in several group exhibitions with Spalding Nix Fine Art in Atlanta and continues to show work each year with them.

As an equestrian artist, she finds it highly important to continue her professional development by both riding and painting and exploring within her genre, always looking for new perspectives. Staying in tune with the horse industry and the art world helps her appeal to both the equestrian and the art collector. Julie strives for excellence in all of her work and continues to push the boundaries of the horse in art so that this incredible animal is exquisitely portrayed in all her depictions of it. Some of her work is serious while some is focused more in the humor of horses, and parody works. She hopes, after experiencing her work, people will develop a newfound or deeper respect for the horse and feel some kind of real connection with the work. .