About Julie Jilek

Artist Statement

My practice is one of ritual. An exploration, a language, and a source of healing.  A deep chasm of answers which wait for discovery if I choose to show up.  When I stray, a bread crumb trail is scattered, enticing me back to seek more.  A metaphoric portal leading towards more questions than answers, expanding my awareness and curiosity and continually reminding me that the more I learn, truly, the less I know. The chapters never look the same.  They remain elusive yet dependable. They are patient and true.  When the journey feels complete, and every stone seemingly overturned, a bright and promising detour emerges. No matter the medium or approach, each effort can feel like visiting an old friend and meeting a new, kindred spirit of a stranger, simultaneously.  

Through impressionistic, mixed media paintings and installations I investigate our contemporary landscape.  Quietly referencing natural and industrial elements, everything from the magical to the mundane, I utilize a visual language to provide clues revealing something vague yet tangible.  The intuitive brushwork and exaggerated palettes emphasize the desire for curiosity, empathy, and reflection towards these familiar yet fictitious places.

From traditional studio work to plein air painting to mural work and pavement art, I continue to explore, observe, and attempt to understand the world around me through the practice of creating.

 -J. Jilek 2022

BIO

Julie Jilek is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary, freelance artist based out of Wisconsin. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Jilek’s practice has evolved into a medley of studio work, mural painting, and pavement art. 

Jilek’s work is represented in public and private collections across the country. National print publications include: American Artist - Drawing Magazine, Southwest Art Magazine, and Strokes of Genius: The Best of Drawing. Notable projects include Art for the Arts (2016), Wisconsin State Park Plein Air Painting Project (2010-2012), collaborative mural projects Beyond Gotham (2018) and Frozen (2019) at Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store in Jordan, MN.

Recent album artwork projects for acclaimed musicians include Peter Mulvey (2017), Dave Steffens (2015), Ume (2018) and Koffee (2020) through the Secret 7” project, raising substantial funds for the Choose Love Nonprofit Organization.

Street painting highlights include a First Place Award at Baltimore’s Little Italy Madonnari Arts Festival (MD). Additional invitationals include Marietta’s Chalktoberfest (GA), La Strada dei Pastelli (OR), Chalkfest at Arbor Lakes (MN), and Eureka Springs’s May Festival of the Arts (AR).

In 2019 and 2020, Jilek and her drawings made their cable television debut in several episodes on the Travel Channel’s, The Dead Files.

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