Julianne

2

BAGUA PAINTING

by

My latest painting project at Regeneration Springs is also my biggest. The deck surface is 16’ square, although there is a large hole in the center which cuts down on surface area.

Regeneration Springs deck painting, made by Julianne
This cold tub was built behind the massage studio, as a relaxing alternative to the swimming pool. All of the water comes from a well, and is wonderful to drink and bathe in. I stood in the pool to paint, though occasionally I climbed out and sat on a dry section of deck, or stood on the ground around the platform. I’d been concerned about my posture, but this variety of positions allowed me to adjust and be comfortable (so long as I worked in the shade).

My client supplied the themes of each panel and some references, while I designed the imagery and the aesthetics followed my previous work at the site. The core of the design is the Toaist bagua, supplemented by Native American and local symbolism, as well as centrality of the navel. It was a very peaceful project to work on!

Regeneration Springs deck painting, made by JulianneFire, heart, purpose: The flames catalyze angular lines into sinuous smoke. The water in the background is the lower drainage pond.

Regeneration Springs deck painting, made by JulianneInner earth, stomach, sense of self: There are many layers between the core and the outward self, but they can be connected.

Regeneration Springs deck painting, made by JulianneMetal / lake, lung, emotion: The smoke plumes are deep sea vents that release minerals into the ocean, the jellyfish abides.

Regeneration Springs deck painting, made by JulianneHeaven / metal, maturity, presence, security. The step up to the deck is behind and below the sun. This deep blue/violet represents cosmic life energy in my work (it’s the first color I ever ‘hallucinated’ and Oliver Sacks backs me up, though I’m not full indigo here).

Regeneration Springs deck painting, made by JulianneWater, kidney, instinct, endurance and transformation. The water’s flow and fluidity is the red lines. This pipe normally has a stronger flow of water but was turned to a trickle during the work.

Regeneration Springs deck painting, made by JulianneEarth, support, change: The arms protect and nurture the circle’s transformation, like an egg floating in the uterine universe.

Regeneration Springs deck painting, made by JulianneWood / thunder, nervous system, elder tree: The hollow core of the elder tree allows the energy of the lightning and dendrites to move inward and outward.

Regeneration Springs deck painting, made by JulianneWind, liver, problem solving: The red neuron blossoms into an elder flower, the leaves are ideas that are shared in the wind.

Transformation is a constant theme in every panel. The lines change and evolve, but are still connected to their origins and are always beautiful, so long as you can accept the change.

I took these panoramas from the center of the pool.

Regeneration Springs deck painting, made by Julianne

Regeneration Springs deck painting, made by Julianne

And some in-progress shots!

work in progress, made by Juliannework in progress, made by Julianne

work in progress, made by Julianne

work in progress, made by Julianne

work in progress, made by Julianne work in progress, made by Julianne work in progress, made by Julianne  work in progress, made by Juliannework in progress, made by Julianne

Save

Save

0

KREWE DU LEWD COSTUMES

by

I’ve never had a clear answer to the get-to-know-you question ‘what’s your favorite holiday?’ until now. It’s so obviously Mardi Gras! I grew up with the Mardi Gras, I know how to hang at a parade, I’ve made bead crafts my whole life, I tramp around the Quarter with friends on St Anne’s, and I thought I knew what it was about.

In true Mardi Gras voodoo fashion, I was called. A friend connected me to his Krewe, Jason and I quickly re-arranged our travel plans, and our local network helped us make it happen. The world is what I make, and making costumes for one of my favorite parades felt like destiny.

AND THEN Jason and I were asked to be guardians! We would wear our official tee shirts and act as support as our drunken Krewe careened for miles through the French Quarter. My job was to be a buffer between the marchers and our jazz band, so I got to hear the great music and laugh with the Krewe all night. And of course, offer some 5 star level costume support.

95c461148d_DSC5868What a group! Krewe du LEWD is a sub-krewe of Krewe du Vieux, which celebrated its 30th XXX anniversary as I celebrated my initiation.

505d389c25_DSC5850A group of volunteers built the float and Blanche the mule pulled it through the Quarter. Such glory!

db946e3374_DSC5722

You can see me on the bottom right, furiously hot gluing as we prepare to roll. Costume designer gets it done! I’ve never worked so close to my deadline before, even with Burning Man; I’ve never asked for help before, and I look back at the whole project with pride, relief, and gratitude.

dc4a7c7d69_DSC5786

6c9a46a2d8_DSC5986

e9b5925bd2_DSC5757These two troublemakers are a Mardi Gras Isis and CaliguNOLA himself (and two of my favorite LEWDists)!

c1251cc93e_DSC5974Miss Pink Mess above is the Spirit of Roman Candy (basically a taffy stick sold in Audubon Zoo).0585b9ce7d_DSC5884 The Senator! He requested a two-piece toga, which is basically a toga shirt worn over a toga skirt. The toga layer is worn over his gold long-sleeve and pants (worn over thermals).7a96925a83_DSC5896

e51e050a93_DSC5726I made his costume too: tunic, toga wrap, and wreath. The wrap is lined for comfort, so he can wear it for Red Dress Run and not worry about sparkly chafing!

7ce8c1aed1_DSC6043Thank you to Gus from Where Y’at for the great photos!

If you’re still suffering with post-Mardi Gras post-Lent blues, check out this great video my husband made of our night.

Mardi Gras / Krewe de Lewd 2016 / Krewe de Vieux XXX from Jason Siadek on Vimeo.

 

0

GOLDEN GOD OF MARDI GRAS

by

I guess I’m still recovering from Mardi Gras, or maybe it never ended this year. Golden God of Krewe du LEWD, made by Julianne

One of the key players in my 2016 Mardi Gras work was LEWD co-captain Drew. Not only did he help me connect with the Krewe, he also ordered his own custom costume. He was smitten by Malcolm McDowell’s fresh little outfit, and I knew I could up the ante Mardi Gras style.

Caligula-4

724a71aa8a_DSC5934

Drew’s costume consisted of the gold shirt and pant layers, gold tunic, snap-on silver cape, sword skirt, and the laurel wreath made from fleur de lis. Quite a kit! I try to make each piece interchangeable, so that instead of being a particular costume, it’s part of an overall costume wardrobe. Cause we like to party, and the party is always weirder when there are costumes!

Golden God of Krewe du LEWD, made by Julianne

Complimentary and independent couple costume (see shots of Lady LEWD here). I’ve had so much fun with this gang since Mardi Gras!

made by Julianne

My favorite part of this costume was the sword skirt. I glued Mardi Gras beads onto felt-backed glitter foam, and the proportions and placement makes me laugh every time.

Check out more LEWD photos on Where Y’at!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 95 96