ELEGANT BRUSH

 

Julie Gil at her recent exhibit

Think of someone/something whom/which you may consider elegant. 

A royal? A celebrity? A palace? A painting? 

The word elegant is synonymous with classy, graceful, exquisite, tasteful. 

I'm no art critic or connoisseur. But lately, I've become an avid fan of a good friend's watercolor paintings. And that's my recent brush with elegance, pun intended. 😄

Julie Santos Gil recently had her paintings exhibited in the recent PlantitosYPlantitas Plant and Painting Exhibit at the Art Lounge Manila Gallery. 

My wanna-be-but-hardly-there-artist-self is in awe of Julie's watercolor tinkerings. Though vivid and lifelike and earthy, her images---or the concepts they project---are ethereal and profound, with their colors and strokes seemingly ordered by the daintiest of fingers

This is as far as I go to describe Julie's art. It would be a disservice if I fall short of words. I'll let her creations do the talking. 

It's hard to paint with watercolor. I've tried painting with watercolor and the results were just one faded glory after another faded glory. Most artists would agree that watercoloring is pretty challenging.

Julie is one of the few who have mastered the medium. But she's not just a craftsman. Her art projects soul---an elegant and deep one. Though channeling peace or awe or beauty, it nonetheless stirs something within. 

Unity in contrast. That's Julie's recurring theme. Her paintings have been exhibited in various art watering holes. Armed with Fine Arts and Interior Design degrees, Julie dabbled with advertising and public relations for sometime; then set up her own enterprise, Final Touch Designs---adding a breath of elegance to the interior spaces and floral accents of banks, hotels, and homes of celebrities. 

Elegance is a word I hardly use. But the word fits Julie and her art to a T. 

Julie and I have been friends for years--more like spiritual siblings because we both sang in our church's  worship team. Her heart always surrendered to the Lord, she faithfully worship-led our congregation most Sundays. And what a sister she'd been to us! 

So now you know why the word elegance kept recurring as I prepared this piece. 

I love this family: Dino, Julie, Nikki and Danni

Julie applies this same spirit---quiet dignity, integrity, and care---in whatever she does, whether it's in ushering people into God's presence, sketching an itty-bitty worm, designing a family's new abode, making a hotel lobby come to life with her floral creations. Or being a compassionate friend who listens to your woes, or cries and prays with you when you're down. And being a supportive wife and mom and grandma. 

"As an artist, I'm called to a mission," she says. "May God find me faithful."

Julie loves nature subjects. 

"Nature is very calming.  Chirping birds. Water droplets touching silent plants. Breeze caressing your face. All these can put your mind at ease. Art is the same way.  Find your corner. Shut the world outside. In your own little world, your cares disappear for a moment. Create. Pour your heart into it. You've found your rest. When God was done creating, He said, 'It was very good.' 

"Nature is a prime source of insights and lessons on our experience as humans. Some of my subjects--Hope, Resilience, Harmony, Interdependence, Purpose, Anonymity, Bloom (where you are planted), Metamorphosis: Trust in the Timing of your Life, Divine Exchange (your sorrow for joy)--are concepts found in nature. They mirror human strivings for survival and happiness. It's fulfilling... to capture those concepts on canvas and inspire my audience with their messages. 

"I guess that’s what we need to do this pandemic. Find your little corner. Create something which will benefit others: your art, food trays, stylized face masks, literary works. You'll find yourself rested and recharged.

"I love the emotional experience of creating an art piece.  It’s like writing a book and creating a visual message that will get into somebody’s hands , somebody’s life and that’s the most exciting part."  

Julie weighs in on her favorite color.  

"I always  get excited when I can blend in a little purple pigment. Purple, according to Google, combines the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red! 

"Well what do you know, that describes me, J!" she exclaims. 

Fierceness and stability. Unity in contrast. That's Julie. 

I knew Julie, the person and the worshipper, before I knew her as an artist. Today, I believe she's happiest performing the role of doting grandma to Finn and Maddie (by Nikki, the other famous Gil), and Marta (by younger daughter Danni); and supportive helpmate to Dino, her equally wonderful and gifted hubby. 

Elegant, don't you think? That deserves some ladies' lunch out. Right, Julie, Desa, Susanne, Janice? Or a Praise and Worship team reunion? Music please, Dino!