Julie Jack is a Tenured Full-Professor of Art at Tennessee Wesleyan, where she is Head of the Visual Arts Department. While at Tennessee Wesleyan, she has been instrumental in developing the Art Curriculum, Minors and Majors in The Fine Arts, Gallery Spaces and the Visual Arts Studios. She earned her B.F.A. at Middle Tennessee State University and her M.F.A. at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she was awarded the honors of graduate and teaching assistantships. Ms. Jack has traveled extensively with students, visiting museums and galleries throughout the United States and Europe. She is published and has received numerous grants to benefit her institution and her students (including a sizable grant from the Mellon Foundation). In addition, Ms. Jack is a co-owner and operator of Art and Frame, a local art shop and gallery. She is a productive visual artist who exhibits nationally with subject matter that melds her understanding of contemporary issues with her Tennessee roots.
“Earthy Delights” Statement:
These pieces are directly inspired by our Gee Creek property at the Hiwassee River. Taking walks and clearing the area of invasive plants have resulted in small assemblage sculptures and felted wall hangings.
The bulbous roots of the invasive saw briar must be dug up to eradicate the plant. They seem to be never-ending and designed to stay that way. However, looking at them as figurative, they become whimsical. I like the challenge of making the invasive enemy an endearing friend (no longer producing saw briars). I’ve long been inspired by my surroundings, shifting light, the interplay of trees and sky, and the way sweet gum balls, acorns, and other natural forms punctuate that space. Taking a wool felting class gave me a new way to translate these observations into wool.
