Julia Arriola: Native American Ledger Drawing Artist - Epi. 122, Host Dr. Mark Sublette

I had artist Julia Arriola on the podcast today. She is a new
artist for us and our gallery-artist relationship has developed
into one of those special situations where you get a new artist
and their work really resonates with you as a collector and as an
art dealer but is also immediately recognized by clients and
collectors alike. Julia is of Mexican-Mescalero Apache descent
who does these wonderful ledger drawings that have steampunk
motifs incorporated into traditional Native American stories and
imagery, and the story behind her mixing of these clashing
ideologies is almost as interesting as the art itself. Ever since
we’ve started receiving these wonderful drawings we just can’t
keep them on the walls. They sell out almost immediately, usually
within a day. Aside from her ledger drawings, Julia is also a
very interesting person with an incredible story of how became
the artist she is today. Even though she was always interested in
art, Julia had to take a circuitous route to get recognized. From
being a navy aircraft signaler to working in factories, to
finally getting back to her love of art and getting a BFA and
Masters in art - hers is a story of perseverance. If you are a
struggling artist and go “Gee, I don’t think I can do this...”
Listen to Julia’s story. It might give you some perspective on
the uncertain, long road to becoming an artist and the payoff
when you finally make it.