Julie Moore and I were part of a virtual community space in the autumn of 2014, and I immediately connected to her kind soft energy.

While exploring her website I discovered her gifts in shamanic healing and art. The photography that graces her site is exquisite, thoughtful, sweet.

Julie’s approach to healing, art and life reminds me that it does not need to feel intense and overwhelming to be powerful.

I so appreciated connecting with her, and am most privileged to be able to share her ways – the ways in which thoughtful quiet artmaking and presence can transform.

 

Evening Walks photo by Julie Moore

Evening Walks by Julie Moore

What does it mean to be an artist? And when did you know you were an artist (aka intensely creative person)?

I don’t think I truly accepted the title of ‘artist’ until recently in my life.  In fact…every once in a while when I am in the company of ‘professional’ artists I balk at calling myself one.

I easily accept ‘creative’ since all that I see & do is a reflection of the creativity & beauty that I see and that I am shown by the Divine every day.  For me…the true meaning of creativity/artistry is the ability to be an ‘empty bone’, a vessel for beauty & meaning to come through.

 

When you consider the words luscious and soulful, what comes to mind? Is there anyone you know who embodies these traits? When do you feel luscious and soulful?

The terms ‘luscious & soulful’ make me feel like I am wrapped in a warm, soft shawl of love & beauty.  There is no need to try…be…or show.  It brings forth a sense of completeness in the moment. I am all that I need to be just by existing…

Amy Palko is the person that comes to mind for me.

I feel ‘luscious and soulful’ when I am totally in the moment.  I can be painting, writing or reading.  There is a sense of being enough and in the right place, a congruency of purpose and existence.

 

photo by julie moore

Snow by Julie Moore

What do you love most about your body? And why?

My eyes…I truly believe that I can show my soul, my essence through my eyes.  And that I can see the truth in others through theirs. It is through my eyes that I see the beauty in my external world and am then able to share it.

 

What brings you pleasure? What senses are involved?

Oh goodness… a sense of connection brings me the most pleasure.

It can come through my eyes, my ears, taste or touch, but often is is more ephemeral than my worldly senses.  It is a sense of belonging, of loving and being loved on a level much different than our physical bodies live on. It is a sense of connection to all and everything.

That being said, chocolate and red wine are big on the worldly list.

 

If you had to throw a dinner and dance party how would you do it?

I would send out a notice to save the date (via internet) then I would partner with some friends and have an invitation party where we hand-write invitations to mail. (If it was a small event, I would have each person write the invitation to themselves noting what qualities they would bring to the party and why it just wouldn’t be the same without them.)

The play-list would be comprised of each attendees favorite dance song and why. I would have ‘conversation starter’ cards made for the event based on the ‘why’. The food would be catered and a DJ there to mix.

 

Where/how do you find your inspiration?

I am gifted with a sense of where to look, what to touch and how to share.

I believe it is a Divine nudge that shows me what I need to see in the moment. A shaft of light that shines on a single blade of grass, a knowing that this is what needs to be shared (even though i don’t know why.)

 

What does your ideal day look like?

I am not always a sound sleeper, so being able to get up when my body wakes itself is very important to me.

As I am awakening, I thank the Divine and my guides for their protection during the night, the dreams, the messages and the glorious day that I have awakened to.

I thank my bed as I make it for supporting me. I ask that I be shown how best to serve this day, how best to show and share love. my day becomes an ‘in the moment’ prayer.

I spend time writing, creating, photographing and learning something new.  Much of my time is spent outside in nature as that is my church.

 

What advice would you give to your younger self? How old is she when she needs this advice?

At 25 I would send this message: just relax darling…it all will happen when it is supposed to and it rarely will look like you think it will or should.  Being true to yourself and sharing love is what this life is all about.

 

What is your most treasured possession? Tell a little story about it.

Wow…another tough one…if we are talking about ‘physical’ treasures it would be my medicine bag.  It is filled with what is most needed in my life right now and representative of what I am looking to share, so its contents change as I do.  If we are talking about ‘non-physical’… it would be my heart, my vulnerability and softness, my desire for all to know that they are loved…

 

look up by Julie Moore photography

Look Up by Julie Moore

Inspired resources: please share any heart-moving soul-shaking artistry or experiences that have moved you. What made it so powerful?

This is a very difficult question for me… I am constantly inspired and yet it is difficult to actually name ‘a thing’… I guess, if pressed, it would be the Sacred in the everyday, what my eyes have been drawn to, what the meaning is there … could be any of the above categories and often times all…

 

Who are your favourite artists? And why?

For their spiritual and shamanic connections and their use of dark and light:

Douglas Beasley, Catherine Just,  Susan Burnstine.

For their ability to have the patience to see what the art wants to show:

Flora Bowley and all the intuitive artists that trust their art to the unseen.

 

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you and your art?

Thank you!

www.julie-moore.com

Julie Moore

Julie Moore

 

ps – to see more great interviews, check out the Lusciously and Soulfully interview series.

pps – if you know of any amazing artists I can profile in this series, send me an e-mail with their info – I’m always excited to connect with interesting amazing creatives.