Curious. Creative. Living Boldly.

Artists in the Arctic 2018

lipstick julie stephenson paris peking courageI am an adventurer – and I am so excited to have come across this initiative for Artists in the Arctic!

 

I would like to be considered for your next round of applications for a residency in 2018. I have many travel commitments in relation to my continuing inquiry into my personal connection with the environment; and how the collective human circumstance affects our global environment…. so like to plan ahead. 🙂

 

 

 

 

antarctica photographs julie stephenson shamanic

Dostoevsky’s words: “Beauty will save the world”, is where I think my contribution lies – in creating beautiful images which offer a different perspective of our environment; and the beauty and connection that people may feel from viewing my photographs and videos – could instigate a greater respect for the natural world and a more conscious way to live.

 

I feel I will be a valuable member of the collaborative team of artists and through my experience, talks, presentations and photographs; will instigate a deeper understanding and respect for the people and environment in this area of the Arctic.

 

I feel that my life experience and expertise will enable me to connect deeply with the ecology of this Arctic region and the indigenous people and their way of living; and through my artwork instigate not only meaningful dialogue, but also open the possibilities of a new way of ‘seeing and being’ in the world for so many who view my work.

 

 

 

 

 

Personal Qualities –

Julie stephenson ice adventurer

I am an adventurer. I have been a sailor since I was a child and often bareboat charter in the Whitsundays with my husband. I love the sea and do not get seasick. I excel in extreme environments and crave the experience of pushing the boundaries of self knowledge. I work well with others; am inquisitive; am capable; am fit; am a philosopher; am playful; am considerate and loving; and generally – really good to have around.

 

 

 

You can read more about me by clicking here. 

 

 

Arctic residency in Norway –

I am privileged to have been invited to attend the Sapmi Arctic Residency on an island in the north of Norway  in March/April 2017; so an opportunity to travel with you in 2018 will enable me to further develop and deepen my connection and expression of the Arctic.

 

 

 

Creative Work –

I have exhibited extensively throughout Australia; had my photographs exhibited in LA; and self published 3 books.

Below are some samples of recent bodies of work where I have explored my response to my connection with the landscape around me; and some samples of my Blog posts from some of these journeys.

Antarctica Breathing

Antarctica Breathing photographs.

Please click each image to enlarge.

Shamanic Journeys Greenland

 

Publications

Please click the book cover to view the "Shape of Cold' book online. The Shape of Cold_ Julie Stephenson Antarctica
Whilst in Antarctica I learned a new way of interacting with the landscape; a way of observing the dynamic quality of the forces of nature and experiencing the power and beauty of this profound and exquisite part of the planet – but underlying this I also questioned how climate change is impacting this pristine environment.
I was profoundly moved by this experience and want to share what I saw and felt in this vast space where even in the wind and snow there seemed to be such serenity. I felt within me the effect of observing the shape of the ice; and in doing so I developed a deeper comprehension of harmony and interaction. I asked myself what happens to these shapes of cold if it get’s ‘warmer’.
The purpose of my book is to share the intimate experience I had with exploring the beauty in how nature sculpted the shape of cold; and let my expression of that connection through my photographs provide the impetus for personal inquiry into the preservation of our environment.  

where-do-they-go-front-cover-3

I stood on the rocky beach on Fetoko Island in Tonga, as I looked south along an uninterrupted line to Antarctica. I reflected on my incredible experiences of swimming with the whales and I heard whalesong undulating within the salty breeze. I wondered – Where do they go? This is a collection of beautiful black and white photographs in both e-book and hard cover format.
This book reveals the beauty of the whales and the title "Where Do they Go?" poses this question in relation to conservation of these incredible mammals. I am hoping that 'conservation through connection' raises awareness for Oceanic respect, awareness and conservation.

Journal Posts from Antarctica

Journal Posts from Greenland