The Attic Gallery 1101 Washington Street Vicksburg, MS 39183 Phone: 601 638 9221 FAX: 601 638 9221 |
The Attic Gallery 1101 Washington Street Vicksburg, MS 39183 Phone: 601 638 9221 FAX: 601 638 9221 |
"Poor Julia" Jackson, Mississippi By Julia Allen After graduating from Baylor University with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and receiving a Master's degree in Nursing from Emory University, I married, had two sons, and for 30 years enjoyed a satisfying life as a wife, mother,and nurse. My only creative endeavors were creating a beautiful yard and finding joy in collecting discarded and "found objects" from garage sales, flea markets, nature, and sometimes even from trash cans. My fascination with junk led my husband and children to believe I would become a bag lady when I became too old to continue my nursing career. In January, 1997, enduring an "empty nest" and a husband whose work required constant travel, I decided if I could weld, I could do anything-especially with the stuff I had collected. I enrolled in an evening welding course at Hinds Community College. After overcoming my fear of fire, gas, and electricity, I beame fascinated with what could be done with metal. The turning point from a dedicated nurse to metal artist occured instantly and unexpectedly during my first visit to a scrap metal yard. I was simply looking for some cheap metal to practice with in class, and instead discovered a new career. In the dirt, smell, dust and heat of that yard I saw flowers, people, hats, hair, birds and butterflies-all items that needed rescuing. My imagination and intrigue soared. To my family's astonishment I gathered it all, filling my car and garage with greasy, dirty, scrap metal. As my classmates made trailers, shelving and grills, I made butterflies, yard dogs, cats, and people. My yard quickly filled with these happy creatures. In September, 1997, I exhibited my creations at the Prairie Arts Festival in West Point, MS. I was astonished to see the response and was even more surprised to win a 2nd place award in the sculpture and pottery category. I knew then my nursing career was over. The only explanation to my family, friends and co-workers was that, "It's something I have to do." Since this first show I have begun to turn this newly found obsession into a profitable endeavor doing business as "Poor Julia." My work is displayed at the Everyday Gardener in Jackson, Prairie Gallery in West Point, MS, Attic Gallery in Vicksburg, MS and Callaborations in Seagrove, FL. The designs and inspirations come from the scrap metal itself. Each day is exciting as scrounge through the scrap yard rescuing found metal objects and rushing to my studio to transform them into what they could be or should be. My work is an expression of all I have learned in life. It expresses my love of being alive, of seeing and feeling all that is around me-the things most people are too busy to contemplate. I try to capture in metal the things and experiences that make me happy. I know I have succeeded when I see a smile from those who view my work. My previous nursing career has fed my desire to show that all of life can have meaning-even the pain and suffering we all will endure; and that meaning and beauty can be found even in the dirt of the scrap yard. I have only just began-I learn each day and know someone will find joy in my creations. |
Green Face & Choir Lady by Poor Julia |
Waiter with Attitude by Poor Julia |
My Cheerleader by Poor Julia |
Garden Girls by Poor Julia |
Bubba's Bass by Poor Julia |
Little Dreamer by Poor Julia |
Getting Stronger by Poor Julia |
Betty Bonnet by Poor Julia |
