Julia Trops is a local artist who has learned to make a living at it. That's a rare enough premise that Julia decided to write a book called 'Art and Money'. It's a book to help artists who struggle to meld business sense with their work and creativity and therefore struggle to stay afloat financially. The book talks about how to develop cooperation and partnership between artists, businesses and the city. Julia has sold over 1000 artworks worldwide since 2004. She also spent 12 years in the military and is one of the original organizers of the Okanagan Erotic Art Show. In 2011, Julia was nominated for the Visual Artist Okanagan Arts Award, and shortlisted for the City of Kelowna’s Honour in the Arts. Today Julia Trops is In Focus.
What do you always find yourself saying?
No worries or Sounds good.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Arianna Huffington
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Nobel Peace Prize
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
Marcus Aurelius
Who inspires you?
My friends
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
MFA, PhD, world domination
Please tell us about a defining moment in your life
I was first accepted into the military in 1985 as a Weapons Ammunition Technician. The selections given are based on the tests they administer, and this planted a seed that perhaps my preconceptions about my abilities were in error.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
S.S. Minnow
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
When I receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
What are you passionate about?
Colour, line, contrast, black and white, music, water, fire, flow, lightness of being, crystals and rocks, animals and friends.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
Four days - my marriage and when each of my children were born.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Each time I overcome a personal limitation, and I've imposed a lot on myself over the many years. Each time, I re-realize that limitations are ego based, and not real.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
Yamato's
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna?
Farmer's Market
What is the name of your business/organization?
Julia Trops/Earth Presence
What does your business/organization do?
Artist
Where can people find you or your business online?
http://www.juliatrops.com
How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
ca.linkedin.com/in/juliatrops/
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
http://www.facebook.com/ArtistJuliaTrops
What is your Twitter account?
http://www.twitter.com/juliatrops
What is your mission?
To communicate through creativity
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
An artwork in the National Gallery.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years?
Still creating with less self imposed limitations!
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Nick Bantock
What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Independence, Integrity, Communication
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
Keep calm and carry on.
How does your business/organization impact the community?
Hopefully through awareness, and communication.
What makes you successful? Tell us about it.
I am as honest as I know how to be. Some people appreciate that, and others not so much. I'm not always politically correct, but you will always know where you stand with me. I think my artwork reflects that concept.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
Robotics: to try to prevent a Terminator type future
Agricultural Science: to try to remove/reduce GMO propagation
Medical Science: to try to remove/reduce animal testing
If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
The clouds. There are too many in winter. I think the Mayor should get right on that.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The space to move around, and the lack of highrises. These days, the attitude is that money buys everything, but Kelowna doesn't need the money (ie waterfront development) to make it better, it is already.
There is nothing more dreary than empty condos, and there is nothing better than the waterfront purity. I hope it stays that way.
My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Jolene Mackie
Some general comments I would like to share are:
This is the reason for my spotlight choice: Jolene is an artist who has just begun her career, much like what I was when I came to Kelowna, and you did a spotlight on me then (ten years ago). It would be interesting for you to do one on her now, and again in ten years, just to see how she has grown. She is very community minded and has big plans for the cultural arena in Kelowna.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at WelcometoKelowna.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do. We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!
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