Julia Briggs

One of my favorite artists is a woman by the name Julia Briggs. Her work is simply amazing. Two paintings hang in the living room of a good friends' house, always leaving me somewhat envious they're not housed in my own livingroom. While I have tried on numerous occasions to find more information about the artist herself, there is little public information available other than the artist's website. Briggs' work is reflective of a childlike playfulness, with impressionist and cubist influences. Human forms become more linear and geometric in shape, although it seems to capture an energetic quality that gives her pieces a very realistic feel. It reminds me of references made in Scott McClouds book, Understanding Comics. The author contends that depicting charcters through simple and basic visuals help the reader identify with the character better than a descriptive drawing would. I see his point in that giving more details sometimes enables the viewer to focus on just that: the details, rather than the concept or meaning behind it. Briggs work seems to do the same. The subject's material is simple but incredibly interesting, and the incredible use of color and highlighting bring a new dimension to her pieces. Her inspiration seems to be tied to several areas. Nature and culture seem to be an obvious influence in her work. Her subject's are generally staged in everyday occasions which seem to reflect fold memories or the act of being present in everyday life. Children also seem to be an inspiration, possibly from her own childhood and her own children. Even her website has a an entire page devoted to children's paintings. They feature adorable animal creatures, such as owls, fish elephants, etc. in the same playful and enchanting style as her other pieces.
Other inspirations seem to reflect women in general. All of her human subjects are female, usually nude, and covered only by their own limbs or plantlife. The style of her work also reflects a very impressionistic quality and also makes visual cubist references. Again, one of my favorite artists, and judging by the pictures it's no surprise why.