My multimedia works explore self-discovery through combinations of societal concepts traditionally considered opposites. Juxtaposition and contrast are common themes. Finding nuance, I feel, is a major part of self-discovery. My pieces are meant to inspire self-exploration and challenge personal views about one’s self.

I wish to use my time to explore unconventional aspects of sexuality and eroticism. I am especially interested in this concept as it relates to women, as women are often encouraged or forced to repress their sexuality. I hope to explore ideas and fetishes such as bondage, piercings, and orgasms, to name a few. I hope this will encourage sexual freedom in the viewers and broaden people’s understanding of sexuality. I want to expose certain aspects of sexuality that viewers may have never heard of or seen before. I don’t mean to encourage or inspire these practices in those who aren’t interested. I simply wish to broaden understanding of what sexuality is and can include for willing participants. To execute this theme, I plan to create portraits of different parts of the body that have been affected by a certain sexual practice; this would include things like bruises from BDSM or a face in mid-orgasm. I plan for the body parts to be done in charcoal while the sexual practice being represented would be in color with india ink. This method would create a lurid contrast and be visually stimulating.

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Julie Fortney was born in Fairfax, Virginia. She currently resides and works in Clifton, Virginia. Her primary mediums are charcoal, pastel, paint, ink, and ceramic and her work deals with controversial and opposing themes in modern society. She is a recent graduate of Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with a concentration in Studio Art, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a minor in Art History. She hopes to attend graduate school and become a certified art therapist.