Julia Fox

Artist Statement

My work is a continuing exploration of holy spaces – enclosures, either physical or imagined, where one may encounter the spiritual. The juxtaposition of my Catholic upbringing with recent experiences of other religions has motivated my curiosity about the interface between spiritual and material worlds, the nature of sacred places, and how these are portrayed in art. 

 Many of us are aware from time to time of something beyond our earthly existence, whether during typical daily activities or times of greatest stress or suffering.  And if we are not conscious of or believe in the existence of a Supreme Being or spirit, perhaps we’ve noticed hints or experienced out-of-the-ordinary manifestations or feelings that point to something beyond everyday life. Sacred spaces can be found in nature, but also in our memories. Nostalgia is a catalyst that can return us to a specific time and place of well-being and comfort, a record of earlier perceptions of security and belonging to a world that is constantly modified as life goes on.

My art has been motivated by questions that arise when thinking about spiritual enclosures.  If God is everywhere, why do we need a specific location for devotion? Why are spirits associated with certain places – either man-made or natural?  How do associated rituals or history confer sacredness? Why do certain places seem to be possessed of a spiritual quality?