Bend artist Julia Junkin’s design work has been featured in magazines such as Bon Apetite, Better Homes & Gardens and Brides, and objects bearing her art are sold across the USA at retailers including Sur la Table, Neiman Marcus and Crate & Barrel. But throughout June, Thump Coffee in downtown Bend will spotlight the paintings Junkins makes for artistic and creative freedom.

“In my work I am inspired by beauty and the unseen depth in things, the spiritual that lives in us even as we wash the dishes and get our latte,” says Junkin. “In my creative process I try not to think too much. I try to let my creativity have its way without too much fussing, as it seems when I overwork a piece it loses some of its original life. I tend to return to images that inspire me . . . for instance the praying buddah. I have painted the praying buddah many times but for me each one carries a different quality and essence. I am also a big doodler and poetic muser. I use pencil, pen, paint and whatever else I can find to create little one of a kind drawings-again listening to whatever drops down in that particular moment.”

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.

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.

Every month, Thump Coffee exhibits local artists’ works, and in 2010 Thump was recognized with an “Artie Award” from the Arts & Culture Council for Central Oregon. Thump Coffee is located in the heart of downtown Bend at 25 NW Minnesota Ave. For hours and info, go to www.thumpcoffee.com or call 541-388-0226.