10 Questions with Julia Ettich

Julia Ettich was born on 28.09.1984 in Streshewoj, Russia. Between 1996 and 2000, she attended the art school in Streshevoy, Russia; then, in 2009/2010, Julia Ettich completed an internship as a designer assistant at Stefanie Rapp Couture in Munich. In 2003/2004, she followed an internship with designer Alla Murnikov in Hanover, and eventually, between 2007 and 2008, the artist attended the “German Master School for Fashion” in Munich, specializing in cutting and design. Julia Ettich took part in many national and international exhibitions, u.a. in Germany, Russia, the USA, and China.

“My work of art is the passion to see the beauty in harmony with nature. The beautiful flower meadows from my childhood, that distant Asia, or the strong-character humpback whales of Mexico accompany me to my roots. The sea has captivated me since my earliest reading experiences. Thanks to my father, I always had access to a seemingly endless collection of books, which I literally devoured. But in my home country at the time, the Soviet Union, the sea seemed unreachable, the ocean with its beguiling, but also an unimaginable dream for dangerous and mysterious residents. All I could do was read about them and bring them to life in my imagination. My grandmother influenced me with her deep connection to nature, and I found myself enchanted in the midst of nature. Every flower that caught my eye exerted an irresistible fascination with me. Thanks to new impulses and strength, I am back here and living my dream because I found my constant companion”

www.jettart.de | @j.ett.art

INTERVIEW

Can you tell us about your artistic journey? When did you discover your passion for art?

My artistic journey began when I was 11 years old. I had tried various activities, from ballet to karate, but none of themheld my interest for more than three months. I had a strong desire to join a theater group or a music school, but during the Perestroika period, my family couldn't afford the monthly fees, and a piano was out of the question. I was very disappointed. One day, I found an advertisement in the newspaper for a summer plein air painting course offered by a local art school. The course was free to try out during the holidays, so I decided to go. For two weeks, we sat in the forest, drawing and painting roots, leaves, and trees. My small hometown is nestled in the middle of the Siberian Taiga, surrounded by forests, rivers, and moss. Thanks to my German grandmother's upbringing, I have always been a natural child, and I enjoy being outdoors. I began studying art at the art school. Initially, I was terrible; I received the worst grades, and my mother was embarrassed during parent-teacher meetings. The teachers even suggested that I reconsider if art was the right path for me since I seemed to lack talent. However, having few friends, I decided to stay. After three months, a new incentive was introduced: those who achieved only good grades would receive a free two-week trip to Sochi. It was like a dream come true since none of us had ever seen the sea. I set a goal to be part of this trip and practiced every day, and within three months, my grades improved significantly. I became one of the best students. This marked the beginning of my endless artistic journey.

You studied fashion design before turning to visual arts. What led you to pursue this career? And what did you learn from your experiences in fashion?

It was my dream to become a fashion designer, and I was firmly convinced of it. At the age of 16, I moved to Germany. Although I had a German passport, I felt like a stranger in Germany and spent several years integrating. In Germany, you need either good connections, a lot of money, wealthy parents, or a wealthy partner to start your own business. For me, without money, connections, or a wealthy man living in a women's convent, it was impossible to start my own fashion label. I started selling fashion and built a small career there, from folding clothes to store manager and in-store trainer. My expertise in fashion helped me be successful in sales. In parallel, I completed my bachelor's degree, which helped me understand all the processes. For many years, I earned well and traveled a lot, but art took a back seat. When you work a lot and study on the side, you have no time for yourself and feel quite empty inside. In the last three years, much has changed. I realized I missed art. I wanted to dream, create, and make things again; I missed the colors in my life. I always painted on the side, but I didn't dare to do it more than once a week. Suddenly, I quit my good job and continued my passion in my boyfriend's apartment. He moved in with me, and I simply turned his apartment into my artist's studio.There, I began to live and breathe again. My life is now full of passion, color, shapes, and happiness. I took a lot from my fashion studies. I love to experiment and mix many materials and unusual elements. I shape and model my 3D paintings on the canvas, just like I used to shape prototypes on the mannequin, and I strive to realize my creations and ideas.

Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What aspect of your work do you pay particular attention to? 

The 3D paintings I create are extremely intricate and labor-intensive. They consist of numerous layers, sometimes even hundreds, that are applied sequentially. Each individual layer takes about 3 to 5 days to dry. This lengthy process requires a lot of patience and time, which is why I often work on several projects in parallel. I often envision my new paintings very realistically but initially don't always know how to bring these visions to life. This leads me to conduct many experiments. Surprisingly, the final results are often even more beautiful than I had originally imagined. This approach allows me to stay creative and constantly explore new techniques and materials. The process of creating my 3D paintings is, therefore, not only a craft but also an artistic journey, each time resulting in unique and impressive artwork. The process of creating my works often begins with inspiration from nature or my own emotions. I pay particular attention to texture and three-dimensional elements in my work. I love combining different materials and integrating unusual elements to create depth and structure. These techniques, which I carried over from my time in fashion design, where the feel and details of fabric are crucial, play a significant role in my art. Another important aspect is the choice of colors. Colors have an enormous emotional impact, and I choose them carefully to create the desired mood and atmosphere. I often work in layers to intensify the colors and highlight the textures. For my "Infinity" series, however, I used a completely different principle. I spent months searching for the perfect color combinations for the four seasons. Because this series also involves three-dimensional elements, I wanted to find the ideal color schemes and create specific effects using 4 to 5 colors. The paintings can be rotated to produce different effects and alter the appearance of the colors, depending on the viewer's angle. This approach serves as a reminder of the beauty of nature and illustrates how sometimes you need to change your perspective to rediscover the beauty of the four seasons. Throughout the entire process, I make sure to stay open to changes. Sometimes, a piece evolves in a completely different direction than originally planned, and I enjoy letting this creative flow guide me. Ultimately, each of my works is meant to tell a story and evoke emotions in the viewer.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find inspiration in the structures and forms that nature offers. The countless colors, incredible surfaces, curves, textures, and elements all fascinate me. Nature's diversity and beauty provide a rich source of ideas for my work, allowing me to explore and create unique and compelling pieces.
I draw a lot of inspiration from my travels. Thailand, Cambodia, Mexico, and Italy are my favorite travel destinations. At the sea and ocean, I experience unforgettable moments that I want to capture in my paintings, bring to life, and share with viewers. Moments like watching waves and whales, observing marine animals, and nature are particularly inspiring. Since my childhood, I have been fascinated by the aquatic world and its inhabitants. In Russia, I could only dream about the marine life I read about. Now, I can experience this fascinating world firsthand and share my emotions with others.

Is there a piece you consider a "breakthrough" in your career?

Yes, there is indeed a piece that I consider my "breakthrough." It is called "One is beautiful, one is deadly good (2023)." This work features two fascinating ocean dwellers: a beautiful and harmless whale shark and a stunning but deadly jellyfish. It is a beautiful combination of contrast, highlighting the diversity and contrasts of the underwater world. With this piece, I aim to convey the message that we should respect and admire ocean creatures rather than destroy them. We are in their habitat and should behave less like rulers of the world. The oceans and seas are overfished, coral reefs are being destroyed, many species are endangered, and sharks and dolphins are hunted in their own territory—this is incredibly sad. If balance is not maintained, it will lead to chaos and the extinction of many life forms. We are guests on this planet and should foster good neighborly relationships with all living species. This work was a turning point in my artistic career because it allowed me to clearly and powerfully express my passion for the underwater world and my artistic vision. The positive feedback I received showed me that I was on the right path. This piece not only boosted my confidence as an artist but also helped me reach a broader audience and gain more attention for my work. It gave me the opportunity to participate in exhibitions and connect with other artists and art enthusiasts. Since then, I have created many more works, but this particular piece will always hold a special place in my heart as it marks the beginning of a new chapter in my career. 

Do you have a role model that you've drawn inspiration from when creating your art?

Yes, I have several role models who have greatly inspired my art. One of my key influences is the artist Yayoi Kusama. Her use of vibrant colors, bold patterns, and her exploration of immersive environments resonate deeply with me.Kusama's ability to transform her personal experiences and visions into compelling, boundary-pushing art has profoundly impacted how I approach my own creative process. Her focus on repetition and the concept of infinity encourages me to explore new dimensions and textures in my art. Additionally, I have been fascinated by Salvador Dalí, Gustav Klimt, and Claude Monet since I was a child. Dalí's surreal and imaginative approach, Klimt's intricate details and golden elements, and Monet's innovative use of color and light in impressionism have all had a significant influence on me. Their ability to convey deep emotional and conceptual themes through their art has motivated me to push the boundaries of my owncreativity and seek new ways to express my visions. Their work has shown me the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision while also embracing experimentation and innovation.

What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?

Currently, I am working on a large octopus sculpture as part of an experimental project. My goal is to perfect my technique, making the piece stand out more with a higher relief while keeping it lightweight. I have achieved this, with the sculpture standing nearly 27 cm tall and weighing around 3 kg. I am also planning a "Save the Ocean" campaign and am actively seeking a company or sponsors for this initiative. I intend to create various giveaway products, clothing items, and accessories featuring my artwork. This campaign aims to strengthen sponsors' images by promoting environmental awareness and engagement while contributing positively to the environment. I am excited about the potential partnerships with companies looking to enhance their own image and contribute to environmental consciousness. Opportunities include having a presence at trade shows, participating in cultural programs in Bavaria, and showcasing in showrooms and stores. I look forward to collaborating with partners who share this vision and are committed to making a positive impact on the environment. Additionally, I now have a ceramic studio and am planning a series centered around the theme of "Beautiful Ocean." This collection will include vases, bowls, and decorative items inspired by coral and marine life. In my studio, I am also offering more courses in ceramics, 3D art, and painting for all age groups, helping others explore their creativity and appreciate art.

Speaking of the future, is there any other medium or technique you would like to experiment with? 

Yes, in terms of the future, there are several mediums and techniques I would like to experiment with. One area that particularly interests me is digital art. The possibilities with digital media are vast, and I believe it could complement my existing work by allowing me to create more interactive and dynamic pieces. Another medium I would like to explore is sculptural installation art. Creating large-scale, immersive environments that engage all the senses would be an exciting challenge and a new way to express my artistic vision. This could involve a mix of materials such as metal, glass, and recycled objects to draw attention to environmental themes. I often collect old, discarded items and give them new life by integrating them into my projects and artworks. I am also fascinated by mixed media and collage techniques. Combining various materials such as fabric, paper, and found objects with traditional painting and drawing methods could open up new dimensions in my artwork. This approach would allow me to experiment even more with texture and depth. Lastly, I would like to incorporate augmented reality (AR) technology into my work. By integrating AR, I can create interactive experiences where viewers can engage with my art in completely new ways, bringing my pieces to life and adding layers of meaning and engagement. These new mediums and techniques would not only expand my creative horizons but alsoenable me to convey my messages about nature and the environment in innovative and impactful ways. There is a lot of work ahead, and I hope my new projects and design works will bring people joy, more color, and inspiration.

What do you wish to accomplish this year, both in terms of career goals and personal? 

This year, I have several goals that I hope to accomplish, both in my career and personally. Career Goals: Complete Major Projects: I aim to finish the large octopus sculpture I am currently working on. Perfecting my technique and achieving the desired relief and lightness will be a significant milestone. Launch the "Save the Ocean" Campaign: I want to successfully launch my "Save the Ocean" campaign. This includes finding sponsors and producing and selling giveaway products, clothing, and accessories featuring my artwork. The goal is to raise awareness about environmental issues while strengthening the image of the sponsoring companies. Expand Ceramic Collection: I plan to create a new series of ceramic works centered around the theme of "Beautiful Ocean." This will involve designing and producing vases, bowls, and decorative items inspired by marine life. Increase Workshop Offerings: I hope to expand the number and variety of workshops offered in my studio, including ceramics, 3D art, and painting for all age groups. This will help foster creativity in the community and attract new students. Personal Goals: Enhance Artistic Skills: I wish to continue improving my skills by experimenting with new mediums and techniques, such as digital art, mixed media, and augmented reality.Travel for Inspiration: I plan to visit new places and return to some of my favorite travel destinations, like Thailand, Cambodia, Mexico, and Italy. These trips always provide fresh inspiration for my work and help me stay connected to the beauty of nature. Balance Work and Life: Striking a better balance between my professional and personal life is a key goal. I want to ensure that I have enough time to relax, reflect, and spend quality time with loved ones. Promote Environmental Awareness: On a personal level, I am committed to living more sustainably and promoting environmental awareness in my daily life. This includes reducing waste, supporting eco-friendly products, and encouraging others to respect and protect the environment. By the end of the year, I hope to have made significant progress in both my career and personal life, bringing more color, inspiration, and positive change to the world around me.

Finally, share something you would like the world to know about you?

I want the world to know that my art is deeply rooted in a passion for nature and a commitment to environmental awareness. I believe that art has the power to transcend boundaries and connect us to the natural world in meaningful ways. Through my work, I strive to capture the beauty of our environment and highlight the urgent need to protect it. What drives me is not only the creation of art but also the belief that each piece can inspire change and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us. My journey as an artist goes beyond personal expression; it serves a greater purpose and aims to make a positive impact on both the environment and the community. Additionally, I want to encourage people to become creative, paint, and craft. It is like a form of meditation; you create something with your ownhands—valuable, unique pieces filled with positive energy. By bringing fantasies and ideas to life, you contribute to creating art and love, which can save the world. My motto is: Art and love will save the world. Furthermore, parents should introduce their children to the imaginative world of art from an early age to foster their creativity. This helps them realize visions, ideas, and fantasies and achieve their goals. Art knows no boundaries—nationality, gender, or language. It is a form of communication without words and is accessible to everyone.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.