Meet Felicia Julien | Artist and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Felicia Julien and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Felicia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Often times as creatives, we find ourselves questioning how to balance our passions and entrepreneurial paths while wondering if our art is even worthy. I commonly wonder if I took the wrong path, as security is often beyond the horizon, just out of arm’s reach, because my artistic mind does not exactly understand the business side of things…but every time a piece of work strikes up a conversation, or I’m asked to step in on a mural project, I find myself realizing that the risk of following a creative path is that of throwing out the societal foundation of financial stability and consistency to embrace a conversation of history, culture, feminism, and aesthetic design. I suppose I have risked what all creatives have risked: security. And it has been a rollercoaster, but the ride has been worth it, and it has continually supported me in defining my own worth.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My paintings incorporate a performative aspect to the process of creation, bringing in my understanding of fashion, mental health, femininity, and dance. It sounds like a lot, but it’s a process I enjoy and the finished products represent all aspects of their creations. Over the years, I have used the individual parts of my work to establish myself as a mural artist, dancer, and event coordinator of a nonprofit fashion show which supported Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates in Atlanta. The journey has been exhausting, but very rewarding. Having such a strong support system while jumping into new positions was vital. I learned how to put my best foot forward, rely on my intuition, and stay humble. We’re always learning, and I believe that’s what life is about–to grow from each other and expand together. My work is all about that and it is taking a bit of a turn right now, as I focus more on interior design murals and wallpaper design, as I attempt to provide environments of ease, creativity, and comfort. My work will always be about health, community, and giving back, even when it appears to be floral paintings on a wall.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Atlanta’s various neighborhoods. I actually have saved Google maps for when friends visit. First of all, food and art are the center of everything for me, so we would definitely go to Buford Highway to eat at some great spots and hit up the farmer’s market. Of course, we would also go to Dekalb Farmer’s Market as it is a staple. Since I live in Midtown, a walk through Piedmont Park, to the Botanical Gardens, and to the High Museum are top priorities. We would check out Atlanta Contemporary, MODA, and MOCA GA as well. A stroll on the Beltline is always a must, including the Ponce City Market restaurant Szechuan for their delicious sour cabbage soup and the rooftop views. We would head to Murphy’s for brunch in VH and have a night out at the Local on Ponce. A show at Smith’s Olde Bar, improv at 7 Stages in Little Five, coffee at Inman Perk, dinner at Chai Pani Decatur, a croissant at Alon’s, and a beer at Hop City in Krog Street Market…so many things!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been beyond grateful for so many individuals and local organizations through my journey as an artist. I received my BFA from UNC Charlotte and my MFA and SCAD Atlanta, where I had many incredible mentors. I have a vast support system of fellow artists who have stood by me through my journey as well, including painter Noah Farmer, architectural designer Hala El Khorazatay, and interior designer Cameron Jones. However, since the beginning, my nephews have always driven me to be the artist that I am. They taught me that the struggle was worth it and they have always been my biggest fans. I recently lost one to suicide and the effects of loss have driven my work even further. Mental health has been a center of my recent work, and I am currently looking to partner with organizations to assist in raising awareness and funding for accessible mental health care.

Website: feliciajulien.com

Instagram: @felicia.does.things

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicia-julien-mfa-a8ba4654/