Jules is thezeitgeistillustrator

Jules Monson is a painter and illustrator who uses her art as an outlet to express herself.

artist

Looped in by Niki Saint

Hi I’m Jules! I am an illustrator/painter. My work tends to deal with the zeitgeist (the *spirit* of time~) from a female millennial perspective.

I went to school at OCADU to major in criticism and curatorial practices. I later discovered I hated everything about it (other than the random art history lectures) and minored in painting and drawing to get my hands moving and making. It wasn’t until after school that I really found my style and my passion for creating art. Art school was a very weird and awkward time for me. I don’t regret it (I met so many cool people) but I really can’t pinpoint what I learned in those 5 years it took for me to get my degree. What I do know is that the only way I can express myself is through art making and that I have loved the visual arts for as long as I can remember. 

In your opinion, what makes someone 'a creative’?

The ability to make something out of nothing. 

 

What's one unexpected place where you find inspiration?

I’m not sure if this counts or if this is an answer to that question, but every time I’m washing the dishes at home I come up with great drawing ideas and get inspired to write all sorts of things. I can’t understand what it is about soap and water but it gets my brain working. I think that also fuels the importance of “zoning out” as a creative. It’s important to get out of the studio and do something else for a while until your brain can fill up again with wild ideas. 

What's one piece of advice that changed your life?

I forget who said this but someone recently said to me: “IF NOTHING CHANGES, NOTHING CHANGES” and I’ve been repeating it in my head ever since. I think I often resisted change and found the minute I embraced it things started to fall into place for me more gracefully. I find myself pushing for change these days which I know will only allow for growth and a stronger bond with my gut feelings. Change in your subject matter, which mediums you use, even teeny tiny changes like using a different brush or looking at something from another angle can open so many new doors. 

What do you love most about being a creative?

I love how being a creative has become so intertwined with my lifestyle. Creative living has allowed me to enjoy so much of this world. I meet unique people with colourful personalities and perspectives on life. I love that as a creative, I have an outlet to express myself. Art has helped me cope with so many difficult moments and I’m so thankful to have it as a daily practice. There are many challenges creators face, but the rewards are super sweet & juicy.

What do you wish more people knew about you?

I think most people assume I’m extremely extroverted, but that isn’t true. I really love spending time with me, alone. Life is obviously more fun shared with others, but the Jules party of 1 is a riot too.

"It’s important to get out of the studio and do something else for a while until your brain can fill up again with wild ideas."

What is your superpower?

Adaptability. I am always shocked at how quickly I can melt into a new space or pivot when plans don’t go as I expected. 

In another life, I would have been…

A hummingbird! Their hearts thump up to 1,260 times per minute! I feel like I have the hyper energy of a little hummingbird dancing from flower to flower. They are so magical my brain can never comprehend what it’s looking at when I spot them in the wild. I love how unnaturally they move, they are too fast for our eyes! Every time I see one I write it down in my journal as if I sighted a UFO. 

 

If you could create something to make the world a better place, what would that be?

An all-you-can-eat pasta and wine buffet. Just kidding that actually sounds sort of gross lol. I would love to create a collective space (perhaps a residency) that focuses on taking risks and encouraging creative thinking. I think a lot of us believe we aren’t creative or have no creative skills when in fact we just don’t have the space or time to practice. I’m not sure if this would make the world a better place, but I definitely see the value in fostering creative minds and cheering on those who already do. 

"Art has helped me cope with so many difficult moments and I’m so thankful to have it as a daily practice. There are many challenges creators face, but the rewards are super sweet & juicy. "

Who is inspiring you
right now?

Dina Roudman
@dinaroudmanart

Painter/Actress/Photographer multi-faceted extraordinaire!

Painter/Actress/Photographer multi-faceted extraordinaire!

Bethany Rose Puttkemery
@smellslikeflowers_

Florist who also works with local farms in Ontario!

Florist who also works with local farms in Ontario!

Elisabetta Marrella-Steddy
@shopbreadandcircus

Jewellery designer who makes beautiful custom work.

Jewellery designer who makes beautiful custom work.

Maryam Keyhani
@maryamkeyhani

Hat designer /Painter/ want to be her.

Hat designer /Painter/ want to be her.

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