I first learned of Julie’s work when I picked up a copy of When You Were Small. I was instantly impressed by her adorable illustrations and had to see more. From her website I learned not only does she do children’s lllustration but also beautiful beautiful “grown-up” drawings and etchings too. I love how surreal Julie’s pieces can be - a group of women standing on (and falling from) a man’s head, women’s heads float up from a vent, people’s heads grow in the place of flowers. There are a lot of heads, many with gorgeous hair, tied into knots, covering faces, or cascading to the ground. You may recognize some of the Julie’s pieces from the Neko Case album art Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. I am so excited to have learned that a new book of her art is coming out from Drawn and Quarterly called Milk Teeth next month - a perfect present for the holidays. Also a second children’s book is available for preorder - Where You Came From with the same author as When you Were Small - Sara O’Leary. I’ll be sure to feature both those books as soon as I can get my hands on them. For now, Julie has graciously shared a bunch of amazing sketchbook pages each more wonderful than the next - from delicate pencil sketches to collaged paper cut-outs. Thanks Julie for sending! Enjoy–

© Julia Rothman 2007