How do you see your place in society?

I'm one of the lucky ones who get to specialize in bringing some new kind of beauty into the world, to make it a richer place.

What influences your art?

Mostly the breathtaking way one color or texture hits another, whether in nature or art.

Do you believe creativity is universal?

Well, I think artists care more about that form of expression. They want and need to nurture it, or they start to die. Each of us has a song to sing, and for others it may be engineering puzzles or caring for children.

Define the connection between "style" and sales?

If people can get a sense that "this is what you do," it certainly helps them to understand and buy your work. But you'll have a "signature" aspect to your work anyway, so I would never want to limit myself.

What causes artistic block and how do you solve it?

Fear that your muse will fail you. Twyla Tharp's book The Creative Habit taught me to set a routine that says "it's time," bypassing the mind.

Do you use the internet for your art?

It's handy if I need an image of a fox or something, and it's definitely great for looking up other artists' work, or places where I want to show.

What is your ratio of theory to practice?

The closer I get to what I'm trying to do and need to do in my own work (see www.julieengelmann.com), the less I want to think about theory. But I enjoy theory in others' work, and students need it.

Who are your most important contemporary artists?

I pick things up from all different artists, new and old. The one I think about most is Francis Bacon. Chuck Olson's work is truly inspired.

What are your methods of visualization?

I'm good at that from my spiritual studies in Eckankar. I just see the thing as it will be in some overlay of the future. Of course, later everything changes, but I get the insight needed for that moment.

(c) 2007 Julie Engelmann