In the Studio: With Julian Van Dyke
Welcome to our new blog series, In the Studio. This series reflects our commitment to highlighting and incorporating more local art in our branches and communications and marketing efforts. Follow along for behind-the-scenes looks at original artwork and installations waiting for you to experience in CADL branches and original artwork and design from our in-house Marketing and Communications team.
Life in Color
Interview conducted by Cassidy Gould, Branch Marketing Coordinator
When did you feel like you found your art style?
I never have thought of purposely trying to find a style in art. I think over a period of time, your work changes naturally.
Where do you draw inspiration for your artwork?
I get my inspiration from things I see or have seen. People, landscapes, city scapes, the sky, things big and small. The thing is finding the time to capture it and put it on paper or canvas.
Do you have a favorite color or group of colors to work with?
I love all colors. My favorites are the ones that are blended together and to satisfy the right application to what I am painting.
I read an interview you did with WKAR about your book, I Want to Be, When I Grow Up, where you said that “Art goes with books. When I was younger, when the teacher would read certain stories that didn’t have images, I’d make up my own stories.” Thinking about any books you’ve read in the past, are there any in particular you’d like to do artwork for, or wish had illustrations in the story?
I think listening to stories that was being read to me when I was younger helped me to be an artist. Our teacher at my elementary school, would take the time to read certain novels to the class. One of my favorites was Charles Dicken’s
“Great Expectations”. The teacher would read about 10 to 15 minutes reading, and in that span of time, I would sketch my own little pictures of what was being read to us.
Thanks to your donations the South Lansing Library is covered with color! What prompted you to donate your works, and what do you think about the impact art has in public spaces?
Melissa Cole at the time asked if I wanted to hang some art at the library. I said to myself, “My friend, do you know what you ask? (smile) But I always thought art and reading books is a natural fit. I am grateful the library has allowed me to show my work for the time.
Do you have a favorite piece at the South Lansing Library?
My favorites are Father and Son, Potter Park Zoo, and Thomas.
If you want to see more from Julian Van Dyke you can visit his website, or any of his works across Ingham County.
You can also check out his books in our collection with your library card.