Julie Pappajohn, Gabriola Beach Walk Study

Julie Pappajohn
Gabriola Beach Walk Study, 2019
Watercolour on paper
14 x 11 inches (framed)

"These two watercolour/felt pen studies were created in response to my beach walks on Gabriola Island and Haida Gwaii and were eventually used as reference for larger acrylic paintings.

Our family shares a house on Gabriola Island and we are very fortunate to have the beach at our doorstep. A pathway leads us down to the beach and the tides bring us surprises each day. I think the best time to start a beach walk is when the tide turns to go out. Everything is wet and rich with colour and it’s the perfect time to see all the varieties of seaweed that lay like a carpet before you.

My visit to Haida Gwaii aboard a 70’ wooden schooner was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. We could access remote beaches and intertidal areas by zodiac. On day, I saw what looked like a large glimmering diamond lying on the beach—a sea butterfly!" - Julie Pappajohn

Julie is a mixed media artist with a focus on drawing, painting, photography, and writing. She is a life-long resident of British Columbia. Julie was born in Vancouver, grew up in Richmond, and currently lives in North Vancouver. She graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Education in Art, supplemented with coursework from Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

Julie’s employment with Artists for Kids (AFK) in the North Vancouver School District gave her insight into the artistic processes of major Canadian artists. Along with AFK’s focus on critical thinking, the artwork of these artists served as a catalyst for learning. Julie taught numerous elementary students at AFK, and their discussions about art and artists greatly influenced her own art practice.

Julie has a natural curiosity. History, culture, the natural world, and social issues play a role in her choice of subject matter. Her intuitive and investigative approach creates limitless possibilities in artistic expression.

I respectfully acknowledge that I live and work on the unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwəta! (Tsleil-Waututh), hən̓ qə̓ min̓əm̓ (Musqueam)Nations