ABOUT THE ARTIST
Yep, that's me to the right of you. I am Julie Teeples (formerly Julie Jurow); I’m an accomplished, professional artist. My work has been featured in numerous books, magazines, publications and exhibits.
I design and make artisan jewelry.
What is "artisan"? It’s the love and passion of designing and handcrafting each piece individually. Of combining shapes and colors; making jewelry artistically unique and pleasing to the eye and soul. It should enhance your mood, be inspirational, and above all make you happy. It's the state or quality associated with being an artist.
Most of my work is one-of-a-kind and will not be duplicated so you may enjoy an original piece no one else will own.
Until recently my work has been on a commissioned and exhibit basis only, I’ve now expanded my work and opened an eagerly awaited gallery for those interested in adding my work to their collection.
I also work with leather tooling, stone, slate, gourds, natural materials, stained, fused and lampwork glass. View my other works of art.
ARTISTS STATEMENT
My first and original art work was done on the walls of my home with crayons, pencils or my mom’s lipstick. By the time I was in the 2nd grade my art work adorned the entire bulletin board in front the principal’s office. In junior high school I was asked to create several art displays of my work for the hallways of my school. In high school I was commissioned to recreate, design, and restore our schools hallway mural. During my senior year of high school my art work and designs were plagiarized by a major national department store and published under their name. That was my first lesson in copywriting. Back then it didn’t really mean much to me, I was young and stupid. Now, in my later years I have to admit it was pretty impressive if I say so myself.
I paid for college and art supplies by doing freelance art work and signs throughout my neighborhood. I was awarded several art scholarships which unfortunately I couldn’t accept. I remained and lived at home, went to school, worked full time, and helped support my mother and I after my father died.
I thank my parents for not punishing me for drawing on walls. I thank them for buying me coloring books, which they couldn't afford. I didn’t want to color within the lines; I wanted a vast and open space to create.
I cut social studies and Spanish class in order to sit in on art classes. Mrs. Marshall my art teacher provided notes and passes to keep me from sitting in the principal’s office or attending detention. She saw something within me which hadn’t awakened yet and devoted every free minute she had to me. She made sure my fingers were covered in oil paints, my hands emerged in wet and cold clay, my nose was filled with the smell of acrylic, my hair and face covered in saw dust from carving, and she was the cause of my first finger calluses.
Mrs. Marshall and my mom opened my mind to creativity, the ability to think then create, to absorb what was around me every minute of the day and night and turn it into something; anything. Each time I feel the pain of calluses or my fingers splitting open from grinding, sanding, twisting silver or metal, tooling and braiding leather, I think of my parents, the devotion, their hard work and their belief in me which helped in my becoming and doing what I wished for all my life. I became the artisan of our family.
I cared for my mother in her mid 90’s as she suffered through Alzheimer’s disease. Even then as she had moments when she’d realize who I was she’d ask “…Julie, what have you created and made lately?” My mother, my friend, passed away in October 2008. Her dream for me, as with any mother, was for her child to be successful, to give back something learned; something created using your hands, your heart and your mind. Thus, I devoted my work and Oak City Gallery to my parents, and all who’ve helped me become what I am today; Julie Jurow-Teeples - Artisan.
For those who haven't seen me in a while, don't worry; I'm alive, well and now living in Southern Utah at the base of a beautiful canyon with my loving husband. Out my studio window I can see our horse, our llamas, our dogs, our cat, rabbits and any wildlife deciding to wonder down from the canyon. My studio is where I spend most of my time making jewelry and fulfilling your requests; not to mention looking out at thousands of acres of beauty for my inspiration.
Drop me a line tell me your ideas and what special items you'd like to see or have made for you. I've been busy making new stuff so check back often to see what's here. Don't forget to sign up for special offers and be the first to see what's new.
ABOUT THE JEWELRY
All jewelry is individually designed and handcrafted in my studio located in Southern Utah. I use sterling and fine silver, semi-precious and lab grown gems, natural stones, lampwork focal beads, dichroic glass, carved wood beads, Swarovski crystals and a variety of fine materials from around the world. Some finished components may have been used. All jewelry is first made as a proto-type and tested for comfort and durability. If it passes the test it is then made into an original artisan jewelry piece offered to my customers to enjoy and wear.
Oak City Gallery is UpFront
