Meet Julie Rothschild | Interdisciplinary Artist

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

Hi Julie, what are you inspired by?
Plate tectonics. I couldn’t give a lecture on it but ever since my first Geology class in college, I have been entranced by the movement beneath our feet. I have begun to formulate a new project based on this fascination.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have spent countless hours in dance studios and on stages, making, rehearsing, performing, teaching. From early in my career, I understood that I gravitate towards improvisation, which, over time, has become a highly disciplined practice. Now, in my art practice, working with fiber and steel, all of that training and experience comes into play. While my grand battement is no longer terribly grand, the movement I employ to create with these materials feels limitless. I have a new found freedom and it is the greatest surprise.

Lessons that I need to learn over and over again: be in the discomfort of not knowing what I am doing; when I am really stuck, move; do not try to be good at it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We love having visitors! I keep it pretty simple. In our neck of the woods, we’ll walk the loop at Boulder Valley Ranch and around Wonderland Lake. Then there is the Ceran Saint Vrain Trail past Jamestown. We can get an excellent grilled cheese and tomato soup lunch at Lucky’s Cafe; tacos at Tierra y Fuego; a beer at the Upslope Tap Room on Lee Hill; visit my friends’ studios in Artist Alley and around the NoBo Art District; buy bread from Moxie, a bottle of wine from North Boulder Liquor, then make a meal and sit in our little back yard for the evening. Venturing downtown, we go to my favorite restaurant – zoe mama. In Denver, I love introducing people to the Clyfford Still Museum and getting a bite to eat at Potager. There is so much to do here. It is easy to send people off on their own adventures, in any direction, then provide them with a quiet home base.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Just about 27 years ago, we moved to Charlottesville, VA for my husband’s job. Soon after, I had our first baby. One morning, I managed to get myself and Henry out the door, into the car and then to a cafe just outside of town. I simply wanted to sit somewhere other than our apartment and enjoy a cup of coffee. I knew I was a wreck and I think the barista did too. They asked me if I had ever read anything by Anne Lamott, also that I kind of reminded them of her. I hadn’t. They pointed me to her book, Operating Instructions. Some books save our souls. That one saved mine. I shoutout to that barista and Anne’s book.
Having made a seemingly huge shift in my art practice in the last few years, I remember all of the times I have had no idea how to do “this.” Being a new mother was like that. Life is like that.
Of course, my story is not without my family, teachers, so many dancers and artists, friends and in particular, my husband, who keeps me well fed.

Website: https://www.jrmade.studio

Instagram: @julieerothschild

Image Credits
Dona Laurita c/o NoBo Art District
Julia Vandenoever
Laura Hoffman
Amy Groome