Julie Martinez is the August featured artist at the Community Arts Center & Gallery in Wrightwood. Julie is a fused glass artist who lives in Wrightwood but splits her time between the San Gabriel Mountains and the Catalina Mountains in Oracle, Arizona, where she creates her artwork.
Julie was first introduced to glass art many years ago and created mosaics in the pique assiette style, a type of mosaic made from cemented-together tile shards or broken glass. Upon retirement, she moved part-time to Arizona, and in June 2022, she took her first class at a fused glass studio, where she fell in love with the medium. Since then, Julie has continually honed her skills by learning different techniques and experimenting with glass. Her favorite pieces are those she has customized with a special person in mind.
When did you know that you wanted to become an artist?
Good question; I didn’t know I wanted to become one! When I retired, I had time on my hands that I looked to fill in a creative way. Where I live in Arizona, I’m fortunate to have a creative arts studio. The moment I saw the fused glass studio, I knew it was where I belonged, as I had really enjoyed creating mosaics. When my art started selling at the studio, I had that “aha moment” and saw myself as an artist…
Tell us about your artwork.
I work with only COE 96 glass in my fused glass projects. The studio I work in standardized on that for their kilns. I also fire and slump wine and alcohol bottles. Besides the glass, I utilize glass nippers, grozer pliers, pistol grip cutters, saws, grinders, and kilns to create my designs. I also use some mosaic glass.
Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?
My favorite pieces to make are ones that are personalized. I’ve created a couple of display-only pieces for home bars. I’ve made nightlights with pets, school-themed items for teachers, and other pieces that have special meaning. I also really enjoy making functional pieces that can both be displayed as beautiful visual art and used as a bowl or platter for entertaining.
Who are your artistic heroes? (i.e., other creatives you look up to)
I can’t say I specifically have any artistic heroes, but I definitely learn from and find inspiration in the other artists I work with in the studio. Everyone has a unique approach to their art, and while it’s important to find your own, creating in the company of other artists really feeds your creative soul.
When you’re not creating art, what do you enjoy doing?
I love spending time outdoors playing pickleball, golfing, and swimming. I also enjoy traveling, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Is there any advice you would give to aspiring artists who hope to be featured in a gallery someday?
You’re never too old to reinvent yourself. For most of my life, I identified as a technology sales executive, more left-brain focused. Now, in retirement, I’m an artist with a more right-brain focus. If you have a passion for something, that’s all you need to get started.
The community is invited to Julie’s fused glass art exhibit, which will open on Saturday, August 3, at 5 p.m. at the Community Arts Center & Gallery, 6045 Park Dr. Her artwork will be on display and available for purchase until August 20.
