Meet Julie Puma | Full Professor and artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Puma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose a career in the arts because I knew it was something I was good at and passionate about. I really struggled in high school and my undergraduate studies but I always exceeded in the arts. I knew that I would be successful as a painter and also loved teaching. This path has served me well as I am now a full professor and have a thriving successful studio practice.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am primarily a painter but do collaborate with others in performance and installation work. In my figurative paintings I work from old photographs of my family. The work is autobiographical and comes from a place of wanting to remember. My mom died when I was six and I experienced many years of childhood amnesia due to this trauma. The work is a combination of realism and abstraction.

I think what sets my work apart from others is I always stay true to my vision and make work that is personal and important to me. I’m most proud of sticking to my beliefs that my story is one that is ok to tell over and over again in different ways. I recently was written up in the Denver Posts Arts and Culture section for my exhibition at Leon Gallery.

My journey has never been easy. It’s hard to make work that is so revealing and then share it with the world. This process of painting my past has been very healing and although the work evolves and changes formally the content remains the same.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite places to visit are Neighbors in Park Hill. This quaint little wine bar is like walking into my friends kitchen for a drink and a snack. I have been frequenting for so long that it feels like home. I would also invite a visitor to try lindy hop or swing dancing at the Mercury Cafe. They have classes for beginners and intermediate dancers as well as socials where you can dance into the night. The Merc is an old school staple that is now surrounded by new condos and breweries but remains steadfast.

I would hop on my bike and ride to city park to hang with my dog and to the Cherry creek Dog park. Denver is growing and thriving but some of the old spots are the best.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that I am grateful to for the success in my career choices but first and foremost my father Stan Glassover has always encouraged and supported me through all my educational pursuits.

Website: https://juliepuma.com

Instagram: jgpuma1966

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Juliepumart

Image Credits
Wes Magyar Photography