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Biography

Bryce Canyon.jpg

"Inspiration as an artist flows from all directions.  It is found in nature, depths of human emotion and the beauty in everyday moments. It's in the whispers of the universe, waiting to be heard."

Born in the UK, Julie is a self- taught artist who originally started out as a photo-realist, predominately wildlife/animals.  Julie became a patron of Paradise Wildlife Park (UK), Port Lympne Wildlife Park, (UK), and the Royal Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Julie immigrated to New Zealand in 2004 and gained her New Zealand citizenship in 2014.  Since moving to New Zealand Julie established herself as a recognized pastel artist and teacher both respected Nationally and Internationally.  Julie's art work has been published in numerous articles including International art magazines.  She has exhibited in the UK, NZ and USA.  The most recent exhibition August 2024, was held in Norfolk, VA, at D'Art Centre.

 
In December 2021, Julie relocated to the USA, where she lived until her return to New Zealand in December 2024. With her homecoming, Julie embarks on a journey to further evolve her artistic style, embracing a transformative phase in her creative expression. Fueled by a passion for sparking meaningful dialogue and introspection, her new works invite viewers to engage profoundly with her art.

Julie's creative process involves grounded research in a quest for knowledge, seeking inspiration from various sources to inform and enrich her artistic vision. Symbolism becomes a cornerstone of the creations, as she selects and incorporate meaningful elements that resonate with profound narrative's and emotions.  Beyond symbolism, her art delves into belief systems and spirituality, tapping into the human experience. This results in artworks that not only captivate the eye but invites viewers to connect.

2025
15th February - 15th February, 2026
Soul of Artist Exhibition Online 
Organized:  Soul of Artists
Finalist:  'The Illusion of Time'
Pastel - H:35" x W:22.5" (framed)
https://www.soulofartists.com/call-for-artists.html


2024
23rd November - 23rd January, 2025
'Delicate', Exhibition Online & Publication

Organized: Gallerium
Distributed: Biafarin
Selected: 'Youthful Innocence'
Pastel - H:30"x W:20.5"
Ranked: in the top 10/87
https://www.gallerium.art/delicate-2024?AW=AW127936328 -

2024
9th November - 9th January 2025
'Children', Exhibition Online
Organized: Gallerium

Distributed: Biafarin 
Selected: 'Youthful Innocence'
Pastel - H:30" x W:20.5"
Ranked: in the top 5/72
https://www.gallerium.art/p/children-2024.html?AW=AW127919392

2024
30th October
ARTtour International Magazine
Awarded Certificate of Recognition
Participation in the Artists to Watch 2025
Anniversary Edition of ARTtour International
Magazine

2024
October
InnovArte Contest by ARTtour International
Honorable Mention for 'Dream State'


2024
8th Aug. - 30th Aug
D'Art Centre
Norfolk, USA
Exhibition: Flowing & Flying (group)
Selected: 'A Quick Dip'
Drawing - Pastel - H26" x W30"
https://d-artcenter.org/exhibitions/


2024
8th April - 28th April
The Arts Club of Washington
Washington DC, USA
Exhibition of Works
Washington DC, USA
https://artsclubofwashington.org/events/details/?event_id=5644783

2024

20th Apr. - 20th June
'Hope' Exhibition - Online
Organized: Gallerium
Distributed: Biafarin
Selected: 'Between Light and Shadow'
Drawing - Pastel - W:18 x H:24in
Ranked: in the top 12/71
https://www.gallerium.art/p/hope-2024.html?SRT=3

2023 - 2024
15th Dec. - 15th Mar.
International Exhibition - Online
Pastel Society of Eastern Canada
Pixel Pastel 2023
Selected: 'Rebirth' 
Drawing - Pastel - H:24" x W:17"
https://pastelsec.com/en/


2023
20th Oct. 2023 - 20th Dec. 2023
Exhibizone Grand Prize - Online
Organizer: Exhibizone
Selected: Transformation.'
Drawing - Pastel W:15" x  H:21"
Ranked: in the top 20/190
https://www.exhibizone.com/p/
egp2023.html?name=julie-davidson


2023
1st Aug. - 31st Aug. 
Solo Winter Exhibition - Online
'Natural Perception' (15 artworks),
Powered by: Biafarin
Code:  EX309574001

2023
15th May - 15th July
Life and Death Exhibition 
and publication - Online
Selected: 'Rebirth'
Drawing - Pastel - W:17 x H:24in
Ranked: in the top 30/251
Organized: Gallerium
Distributed:  Biafarin
https://www.gallerium.art/p/
life-and-death-2023.html?SRT=4


2023
25th Apr. - 25th May
Inspirations Group Exhibition - Online
Selected: 'Shh'
Drawing- Pastel - W:19  x H:19in
Ranked: in the top 20/161
Organized: Exhibizone
Distributed:  Biafarin
https://www.exhibizone.com/p/inspirations
2023.html?name=julie-davidson


2022.
Luxembourg Art Prize - Pinacotheque Award
Certificate of Artistic Achievement -  Signed 1st Dec.
Recognition of high artistic quality
Organized by: The Pinacothèque
(private museum in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg)

2022
D'Art
Norfolk, USA
Group Exhibition
Selected: 'Self Revelation,' 
Drawing - Pastel - W:39.5 x H:20"

2021
6/7 & 13/14 Nov.
Kapiti Arts Trail, NZ
Open Studio
Organized: Kapiti Coast District Council, NZ
https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/media/xqlha52g/
kapiti-arts-guide-2021-22.pdf


2021
16th, 17th & 18th July
Manawatu Art Expo.
Palmerston North, NZ
Drawing - Pastel (8)
Expo. 
Organized by: Fielding Arts Society

2020
Manawatu Art Expo. - Guest Artist
Palmerston North, NZ
Drawing - Pastel (15)
Expo./Demonstration
Organized: Fielding Arts Society

2020
Kapiti Arts Trail, Waikanae, NZ
7-8 & 14/15 Nov.
Kapiti Arts Trail, NZ
Open Studio 
Organized: Kapiti Coast District Council, NZ

2012
Square Edge, Palmerston North, NZ
Group Exhibition
Organized by: Art of Framing

2008
Fielding District Arts
Fielding, NZ
Group Exhibition
Organized: Julie Davidson Fine Arts (JDArts)

2007
The Academy of Fine Arts,
Wellington, NZ
Group Exhibition

2006
The Academy of Fine Arts,
Wellington, NZ
Group Exhibition

2006
Fielding District Arts
Fielding, NZ
Group Exhibition
Organized: Julie Davidson Fine Arts (JDArts)

2006
The Academy of Fine Arts,
Wellington, NZ
Group Exhibition

2002
​The National Exhibition Centre (NEC),
Birmingham Autumn Show,
UK
Expo.

2002
The National Exhibition Centre (NEC),
Birmingham Spring Show,
UK
Expo.

2001
The National Exhibition Centre (NEC),
Birmingham Spring Show,
UK
Expo.

1998
16th Jan- 22nd Feb
Boxfield Gallery,
Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre,
Hertfordshire, UK
Honored guest Mayor Ken Vale
Solo Exhibition 
Pastel

Artist's Statement

In the beginning of my artistic journey I was  drawn, no pun intended, into creating the likeness and essence of animals. This included both wildlife and domestic pets.  Knowing that my art could bring joy to others has always been a rewarding aspect of the process.  Now, as I engage in introspection, both about my own life and the broader human experience, I find myself drawn to exploration.

Through my ongoing series, the 'New Beginning Collection,' presently comprising of thirteen pieces, I seek to convey my evolving perspectives.  During the process I try to refrain from dogmatism as my journey remains an ongoing exploration.  In truth, my understanding is rooted not in certainty, but in the rich tapestry of research into diverse cultures, beliefs, and ancient symbolisms.  It's a journey that resonates deeply within me, connecting on a  level that transcends mere artistic expression. It is the intention that the artwork not only creates conversation but also on different levels gives the opportunity for personal reflection.

​

Education

2007 -2010

University College of Learning (UCOL), NZ

Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging. 

Course covered a range of areas including: typography, design,

digital media,  illustration, conceptual studies and photography.  Majored in photography in the final year. 

​

Achievements:

Runner up student of the year.

 

Awards:

New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) 

Category:  Student

Bronze,

Silver 

Silver (Distinction) 

2010 -2011

Massey University, NZ

Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (secondary). 

The course concentrated on the New Zealand

Curriculum with 16 weeks based in the classroom.  

 

​

Professional Contributions


2011 - 2021
Ministry of Education

Secondary/Primary Teacher
Manawatu & Wellington Region
NZ

2007 - 2008
Mental Health & Addiction Service,
Community Health 

(MASH Trust)
Part/time Art Teacher - mixed media
Palmerston North, NZ

2007 -2008
Julia Wallace Retirement Village

Part/time Art Teacher -
mixed media
Palmerston North, NZ


2008
Fielding High School

Part/time Art Teacher
Monday evening class - 12 week course
Adult classes - pastel
Fielding, NZ

2005 -2008
Square Edge Arts Center
Part/time Art Teacher
Adult classes - 2 Evenings per week
Palmerston North, NZ

2004
Manuka Art,

Part/time Art Teacher - mixed media
Tuesday evening Adult Classes
Downtown Mall, Palmerston North, NZ

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