Julia Contacessi, a contemporary abstract artist, explains her process as a combination of both subconscious and conscious exploration. She focuses on composition, texture and color, and strives to deliver a feel-good effect in every one of her pieces of art. Her art is strongly influenced by Helen Frankenthaler. Julia believes that that there is no formula in producing art and an artist should let the process and the picture leads them to where it must go. In addition, much like artist Patricia Larsen, finding beauty in the contrasting nature of things, is what Julia seeks through her work. Julia moved to Norwalk, Connecticut from Brooklyn, New York after graduating from Pratt Institute. She now resides with her husband, Mario, in Norwalk, Connecticut. She loves photography, painting and all things design or with artistic flare.
She has won many awards including Best of Houzz 2015 Award, Minted x Domino Art Print Challenge, ArtSlant Showcase and Minted x West Elm 3rd Art Challenge, among others. She says that some days creating can be a battle, especially when her mind tries to wander away, but then there’s a moment when she layers on the paint rightly so that the canvas yields to her will, and she knows she’s just begun to capture something meaningful. At that point she has to catch her breath. She says it’s wonderful and fascinating, while at the same time, a struggle. She likes challenges. That’s why she paints. Julia’s style is determined and is focused on the moment’s simplicity of beauty.
