Portrait of the artist as a Child (EBWTY)
Julie Purcell
- Sitter: Julie Purcell and parents
- Medium: Oil on Board
- Dimensions: 35cm x 27cm
- Representation: This artist represents themselves
About the artwork
In this nostalgic portrait, Julie Purcell conjures up memories from her childhood. Looking back to a backyard party in the 1980s, the artist as a young girl stands between her parents.
“Here, preserved like pickles in a brine of nostalgia, I depict my folks and I at a late 80s backyard party. My portrait of the past is a reverie on time’s passage and what family support means to me.”
Like in a happy family photograph, her mother smiles out at the viewer. Also like memories from the past, some of the details are obscured.
What is clear is the quintessential weatherboard Queensland house with figures casually standing eating and drinking, the bright colour palette and the familiar, harsh summer light.
Julie Purcell presents both a nostalgic look back, and a tribute to her parents. “Despite diverging from a sensible, corporate path back in my twenties, my parents remain staunch backers of my artistic pursuits. Thanks, Mum and Dad, from your artist in residence.” The artwork title, EBWTY, means Everyone is beautiful when they’re young.
About the artist
Julie Purcell blends graphic design training with fine art skills in her multi-disciplinary practice. She holds a BFA (Hons) from QCA and is a member of the Redcliffe Art Society. Now a full time painter, she mostly paints landscapes. Her work has been exhibited in the Moreton Bay Art Prize. This portrait won the Redcliffe Art Society Exhibition of Excellence in 2023.
