ART: Julia Junkin Paintings

Baring Fruit

Although Bend artist Julia Junkin’s work adorns products ranging from linens to posters and can be found in stores such as Sur la Table, Neiman Marcus and Crate & Barrel, the paintings hanging at Thump Coffee during March represent an opportunity for artistic freedom.

Detail from Baring Fruit

“I love designing but painting is fulfilling to me in a different way,” Junkin says. “Each piece is one-of-a-kind, and I don’t have to fit in a style. Nor do I need to filter my work — I have more freedom. Painting is a process that comes naturally. I love the creative process, where something arises from nothing. Where do our ideas and inspiration come from? It’s mystical and a mystery. I like it that way.”

Design examples

Junkin attended art school in Seattle and started out hand-painting vintage linens purchased from second hand stores. This led to creating an entire wholesale line of hand-painted linens sold throughout the U.S.

Mixing paint and text on board

Known for her images of wine, still life settings, and “poetic women in various states of muse,” Junkin now licenses her work to various companies who print the designs on linens, ceramics, wine glasses, magnets, paper napkins, posters and many other products.  Her work has been featured in numerous national consumer magazines, such as Bon Apetit, Better Homes & Gardens and Brides. Hundreds of U.S. retailers now carry licensed Julia Junkin designs.