NEW WORKS JUST ARRIVED, AVAILABLE IN THE GALLERY AND ONLINE.
Her unique sense of 'making' is inspired by old toys, paintings, stories and folk art.
Julie makes each creature from papier mache and as the character comes to life in Julie’s hands clothes are knitted, embroidered and the narrative is made.
Julie works in papier mache, mixing vintage fabrics, scraps of poems and words.
Her work is imbued with wistfulness, a sense of memories, charm and whimsy all at once.
Each of the Julie Arkell pieces is a beautiful one-off creation and a wonderful, truly unique gift, for collectors, or for those interested in owning a piece of exquisite contemporary folk-art of their own
Julie Arkell is one of the UK’s best recognised, and most adored, contemporary folk artists.
Born in London, Julie Arkell studied at West Surrey College of Art and Design in Farnham before gaining a diploma in textiles at St Martin’s School of Art. Arkell’s work spans art and craft, following traditional folk art techniques of creating doll-like figures from “found” objects, with the approaches of key 20th century artists such as Pablo Picasso, Duchamp and the Pop Art movement by shunning traditional “fine art” techniques and materials, and taking inspiration from the art of children.
Julie Arkell’s work is inspired by old art, fabrics, stories, words and phrases. The creatures that Julie creates, each with their own stories, messages and accessories, possess a magical and wistful appeal, and reflect a truly unique contemporary UK folk artist.
