2002 | Art Professional Spotlight | Visual Arts

Julie Newland

newland3Julie Newland wears a variety of hats. To the general public, she is the Programming Coordinator at VSA Arts of Utah (Art Access). A more select crowd knows her as a fine craftsman of handmade papers who also instructs others in the art. And to Sam (pictured here with Julie in her studio) she’s just plain “Mom.”

After graduating in the arts from Arizona State University, Julie Newland worked in several different administrative roles, always hoping to be more involved in the arts. Then, early in 2000, she got her chance with VSA Arts of Utah. Now, as Programming Coordinator, she oversees the organization’s programming in schools, assists with other programming as well as various bookkeeping and other office duties. It’s a role she tackles with great passion and energy.

Newland the artist has been making paper since 1992, when she took Beginning Papermaking as one of her studio courses while working on a BFA in Photography. She studied with papermaker/printmaker John Risseeuw, who also got her involved with the national papermaking organization, The Friends of Dard Hunter.

About her art, Newland states, “I really love learning new techniques and artforms and make it a point to learn and practice a new craft or art form each year. Papermaking has been the one constant through the years, so I dug deep and invested in setting up a full papermaking studio in 1997.” Her major equipment includes a 2 lb. Hollander Beater, an industrial size paper dryer, and “found” presses.

Newland claims to have only one client, a professional calligrapher in North Carolina. “We work on custom wedding invitations together. I also have cards in a few gift shops around town, and have stationery in the Art Barn holiday show each December.”

Newland also periodically offers papermaking workshops. “I really enjoy actually USING my equipment and making it available to someone else as a resource.” As a single mom with a full-time job and limited free time, Newland sees the workshops as a way to justify the long, twelve-hour day in the studio that papermaking requires.

 

newland1a“Julie Newland held a private workshop on papermaking. I spent the day Saturday enjoying the short course, which made me appreciate the art of handmade papers. I must admit that I was pretty proud I created over fifty papers, (which should have cost me $244 if purchased through Daniel Smith). I began to appreciate the craft and art of making papers more, and see the possibilities of this valuable lesson which should save a tree or two and promote a fine Utah craftsman keeping a tradition alive.” — Garth Coleman

Newland was gracious when Artists of Utah approached her about being the first subject in our new recurring feature, Art Professional Profiles. “I think it is a wonderful idea to share more of what everyone does. Studio visits are a great idea, but usually exclude a lot of folks like me that live out in the boonies.”

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