About Julie Shaw Lutts

I work in mixed media. I make box constructions from found objects and I paint and collage with encaustic. My studio is full of beautiful weathered artifacts that I've discovered on my travels. Collecting objects for my work is always fun. I never know what I'll find in the markets around the world. When I travel I photograph the everyday beauty all around me. The old patina of the walls, a carved window in a stucco building, even the tile that lines the streets. All of these things inspire my work. When I get back to the studio I use these images in my collages and box constructions and also to inspire my painting.
Experiencing other cultures through images, colors and objects informs all my work. I'm so intrigued by peoples' history … their stories, the layers of time, the memories and emotions that make up our world. In my work I try to create a visual narrative that evokes a personal response in the viewer.
On my recent trip to India I was incredibly inspired by the color and beauty around me. What I loved most about India was the people, their joy and kindness was truly evident everywhere I traveled. I hope you enjoy just a few of my many, many photographs I brought home with me, below.

Everywhere in India is filled with elaborate patterns and patinas, the walls, the fabrics, even the animals are decorated. I was constantly surprised where I might see color, which is is bright and fresh against the sometimes harsh grey of the landscape.

India's beauty is stunning. The light is clear and reflects in the many mirrored walls. Many buildings are decorated with paintings and frescoes of great detail.

The streets of India are the most alive, chaotic, wild places I've ever been. Walking across the street in Delhi you may come upon camels with their haul, bikes, rickshaws, cars, trucks, motorbikes, dogs, cows, pigs, buses packed to the gills, and people of all kinds. You take your life in your hands to get to the other side but it's always worth it!

The Indian people have a strong reverence for creatures of all kinds. Their elephants and camels have necklaces and colorful tattoos. Dogs, pigs, goats, monkeys, and many cows wander freely. Our jungle trip allowed us to see animals in the wild, including a beautiful regal tiger laying on an ancient temple as though he were king.

In my studio I have boxes and boxes of things I've collected, waiting their turn to show up in a piece.

This is my hot plate with encaustic paints ready to use. I sometimes work on the hot surface using wooden shapes. The heat keeps the paint flowing.

Encaustic color on brush.

My box of birds awaiting their turn.