Julie Starks CV

I create artwork that reflects my fascination with ecosystems, sustainability and the fractal nature of our world. Much of my work is based on looking closely at the ‘small’ worlds which surround us, sometimes to microscopic detail, emphasising the beauty of structure, texture and pattern. Using wood, metal, willow rods and other reclaimed materials I produce sculpture, seating and creatively landscape with living willow. My Photography details the life cycles of surfaces and plant structures, and is a constant inspiration for other artwork. I work for exhibition, to private commission and deliver creative projects within community environments.

Commissions/Residencies

I have worked with a diverse range of client groups such as Greenpeace, The National Trust, Westonbirt Arboretum, Bath International Music Festival and Womad Festival as well as many Youth and Community groups across the UK.

Environmental Organisations

Community & Charity Projects

2009: British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Weekend creating sculptural fencing for Boiling Wells Project, St. Werbergs City Farm, Bristol 2008: Organix Food Product Launch, Organic Food Festival. Bristol Working in collaboration with an artist to create a large recycled sculpture 2008: Bristol Botanical Gardens Insect sculpture workshops for the staff to create large-scale insects that pollinate the plant collection onsite. 2006/07: The National Trust, Prior Park, Bath Artist in Residence for Arts Partnership project. Mud and turf sculpture and Willow installation. 2005: Greenpeace Willow and mud sculptural Shelter commission 2005: Envolve Carrs Woodland project with local school making sculptural insect over two days 2005: Bath City Farm Activity day at the farm making sculpture and archways 2004: Greenpeace “Garden for Greenpeace” at Glastonbury Festival Willow Sculptural den 2003: Greenpeace “Garden for Greenpeace” at Glastonbury Festival Large willow tunnel 2002/2003: CSV Environment Various School Grounds Regeneration Projects. Living Willow & bench making projects. 2002: The National Trust, Prior Park, Bath Temporary site-specific Butterfly sculpture 2001/2002: British Trust for Conservation Volunteers Various Living Willow Projects 2002: The Eden Project Research & Development Fund Insect colony sculpture 1999/2002: The Wildlife Trust Living and dried willow sculptures & Structures 2000/2001: Westonbirt Arboretum Living willow structure workshops 1999/2000: The National Trust, Barrington Court and Dyrham Park. Site-specific children’s art workshops

2008/09: The Royal United Hospital, Bath Currently Artist in Residence since April '08. Design and consultation workshops with staff and patients for the re-design of a childrens courtyard garden to include sculptural features 2008: Bruton Primary School Residency creating a willow sculpture garden. 2008: Barton Hill, Bristol Willow castle play-area. 2007: Architecture Centre, Bristol Volunteer at Big Draw “Build an Ecocity” workshop. 2007: St Werbergs City Farm, Bristol Living Willow sculpture workshop 2006: SAW Ltd Artist for pilot project “Safe Routes to Schools” 2006: Bath Mentoring Plus Swan Sculpture made with young people. 2006: Bath Mentoring Plus Boat Sculpture made with young people. 2006: RSPCA, Bath Created willow ‘house’ with staff for feral cat area. 2005: Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Feltham Large willow swan sculpture, drop in workshops for community during parks open day. 2005: Widcombe Infant School. “Arts Week” Three days of recycled sculptures based on The Sea 2005: Living Willow School Grounds Projects Scarborough/Tewkesbury/Bath 2004: River Avon Interpretation Project Willow sculptures with Saltford Primary 2004: The Countryside Foundation for Education Willow workshops at “Countryside Live” London 2004: RSPCA, Bath Willow Sculpture Workshop as part of fundraising week 2004: The Corsham School Four day willow sculpture project creating bugs & birds 2004: St Werbergs City Farm, Bristol Living Willow land development project with youth groups 2004: St.Pauls Adventure Playground, Bristol Living Willow sculptures. Under 8’s area on a sea theme 2003: Manor Road Community Woodland, Bristol Wooden bench making

Teaching

1998-Present:
Working in schools developing outdoor environments with living & dried willow structures and sculptures. I deliver creative curriculum–supportive workshops with an environmental theme using recycled materials, as well as themed workshops for festivals and other events. I also work with adults teaching living and dried willow. Regular teaching for LILI(Low Impact Living Initiative), BTCV and The Wildlife Trust.

2007: Glastonbury Festival Design and installation of the Ribbon Tower roof. 2006: Bath International Music Festival School art workshops for the Opening Night procession 2005: Shambala Festival, Plympton Sculptural willow ‘pods’ for shelter 2005: Big Green Gathering, West Harptree Hazel entrance for sustainable garden space 2005: WOMAD – Reading Site decoration and childrens seascape workshop 2005: Glastonbury Festival Willow and mud sculptural shelter in Greenpeace garden 2004: Shambala, Devon Fencing and sculpture for entrance 2004: Glastonbury Festival Large Sculptural Vessel for the Greenpeace Garden 2004: Countryside Live, Syon House, London Willow workshops with schools

2003: WOMAD –Gran Canaria Butterfly structures and costume workshops 2003:WOMAD – Reading Mobile insect sculpture & insect costume workshops 2003: Glastonbury Festival Willow structure for Greenpeace garden 2001: Cardiff Children's Festival Willow Insect Larvae Tunnel 2001: Bath Children's Art Festival “Mythical-Mechanical-Creature” recycled sculpture 2000: Filton Millennium Celebrations Bird and bug making workshops 2000: Congesbury Strawberry Fair, Somerset Willow ladybird sculpture 2000: The London Road Carnival, Bath Research and development of carnival theme. Delivery of costume & structure making workshops 2000: Bath International Music Festival Opening Night Procession. Community art workshops

Private Commissions

1999-Present: Various artworks created for client’s homes and gardens, i.e. willow and metal insects, abstracts, living willow and sculptural benches.

Training

	2006: Introductory Certificate in First Line Management	Bridgwater College
	2005: Garden Design Norton	Radstock College
	2005: Public Speaking Day	“Infront” Bristol
	2005: Garden Mosaics	The Yarner Trust, Devon
	2005: Cob building and sculpture	Devon Rural Skills Trust
	2005: Wattle and Daub	The Yarner Trust, Devon
	2000: Creative metalwork	City of Bath College
	1999: Willow Sculpture	Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton
	1999: Creative Willow	The Greenwood Trust, Wales
	1999: Living Willow Structures	National Federation of City Farms, Bristol
	1998: Close-up Encounters with the Microscope	Bath University
	1997: CLAIT	City of Bath College
	1997: Large Format Photography	Duckspool Photography Centre
	1995: BA(hons)Fine Art	Cheltenham Art School