About the Artist

As an artist of Cherokee/Irish descent, Julie Lovejoy's work is heavily influenced by both cultures. Her early coiled basketry work integrated naturally with her gourd pieces.

Her passion for the "Crones" and other human sculpture gourds dates back to her adolescence when Julie created wizened apple dolls of elderly witches, monks, and nuns.

She is especially inspired by the work of the following artists, and considers them a major influence on her gourd work:

Pat Boyd, Bonnie Gibson, Robert Rivera, Darienne McCauley, and Lisa Gatz.

Julie is currently a full-time faculty member at Oxnard College teaching in the American Sign Language and Interpretation programs. She resides in Ojai, CA and creates gourd art in her hilltop studio overlooking the Ojai mountains.