Tell us something about yourself. Where do you live, how old are you (roughly), your background, family, etc.?
My name is Julie, I will be 28 in May. I am originally from Toulon in the South of France but I have been living in Northern Ireland for almost 7 years. I am married to James who is a professional Geek (software developer and very keen gamer ) and we have a little boy called Eoghan (pronounced Owen) who will be 2 in July. I have currently 2 jobs, I am a childminder and the owner of my other "baby" Mademoiselle Poupette.
How long have you been painting/illustration/doing art?
Art in general has always been a part of my life in different forms. My granny who was a seamstress taught me how to sew and make clothes for my dolls when I was a child. Then in primary school I tried a lot of different activities : pottery, sculpture, painting, sketching, music, singing....... the list in endless.
During my teenage years I joined a musical theater school and focused on music and singing for several years.
During my university years where I studied English and literature, I created a little musical theater group for children. I made all the stage decors and props, the costumes etc for the shows and that's when my love for sewing came back!
What’s your favorite medium?
I am a real fabric addict. I love to create things I would love for my own home and cannot find in the shops. My bank account is the limit when it comes to building up my fabric stash.
I also love ribbons and buttons far too much to my banker's taste...
Do you have a favorite subject you like to paint? Do you have a style preference?
I am a big child who loved bright colours. I design my creations using my quirky imagination. I love folk art for its bright colours. In my range, I particularly enjoy making the owls and Russian dolls.
What are your favorite tools for creating your art?
My sewing machine ! I can spend hours and hours sewing on it. I don't know what I would do without it. Sewing is the only thing I have found so far to clear my mind when it's full of thoughts and I need a break.
What is the inspiration behind your artwork? Do you have a particular person that inspires you in your work/life?
My granny is my biggest inspiration. I am so glad I learnt the basic of sewing in an "old fashion way". She gave me the love of fabric and sewing, the love of handmade things, of creating things for my own home exactly the way I want them. I still talk over the phone about my new projects and she sends me little sketches from time to time when she has ideas popping in her head about things I could make.
Another big inspiration is my little boy. I am currently working on a soft toy range for children.
What is the one thing that you hope that your artwork will do for others?
I hope to bring colour and happiness in people's homes. I hope I can help them make their home cosier. I hope they can make them as happy as it makes me to create them. I hope it will make them want to show them to their friends as word of mouth is the best compliment you can give to any business I think.
What encouragement and/or tips can you give to other inspiring individuals?
The main one would be to do what YOU like, there is not one thing in this world that everybody loves or hates. You will never be able to please everybody but if you love what you do it will show in your work.
Facebook: Mademoiselle Poupette
Note: All art and photography belong to Julie of Mademoiselle Poupette. Please do not copy or reproduce without their permission.
