ARTIST BIO
Julie Johnson Oliver is an award-winning writer, artist, and photographer. The author of published poetry, magazine articles, stage plays, and screenplays; her first book of humorous essays, I’ve Been 16 for 34 Years – A BoomerTweener® Memoir was published in 2009. She has since completed a YA historical novel, Raising Banner; and is polishing her inspirational nonfiction book, Sharp Sharp in Sharpeville and All The Isles Of The Sea.
Julie won two LDSPMA Spark Awards in 2023: for YA Historical Fiction - Raising Banner and for Screenplay - Hard Ride Home.
In a long, circuitous route to becoming an artist, Julie began painting in 2002 while living in Friday Harbor, Washington, in the San Juan Islands. There, she studied briefly with watercolorist Kristie Gjesme and premiere oil painter, Michael Workman; but is largely self-taught. Her painting passion has moved from landscapes to figurative work; but she’s always excited to try something new, and currently she is experimenting with pyrography. Her paintings and photography are found in private collections around the country. She has won awards for her photography and watercolors and has exhibited in art galleries in California, Washington, and Utah.
Mother of four children and grandmother to sixteen, she currently lives in the beautiful Ogden Valley.

ARTIST STATEMENT
“I was born under a Russet potato on the windswept plains of the Snake River Valley in southeastern Idaho. I saw stories in the billowing white clouds which floated daily across brilliant blue skies. As a small child, I was inspired to write after listening to pioneer stories narrated by my grandparents; after feeling the humor and strength of my parents; after daydreaming on the back of my first bay pony; after reading my way into big towns, big jungles, big dramas; after playing dress up as someone new; after loving the wild acres we tamed to produce food for the world; after admiring the endurance of high desert farm families; after seeing God’s hand in all of it.
“In a chaotic world, peace can be found in the rich details of nature and the joy of ordinary moments. My belief that spiritual creation preceded physical existence gives me confidence that the core of our being is perfect design and truth. My challenge is to give life to my paintings, photography, and stories; to capture a poignant moment, and to reflect the spiritual values I cherish. I’ve been a storyteller all my life, and so try to narrate a story using words, canvas, or camera. Art should capture your attention, engage your mind, and touch your heart. Art should make us feel.”