ARTIST STATEMENT
These paintings are from my Gynandromorph series. In many species, male and female organisms exhibit notable differences in traits like size, coloration, and markings. A gynandromorph, also known as a sex mosaic, is an organism that contains both male and female characteristics. This occurs in species ranging from butterflies and moths to crustaceans, birds, insects, and reptiles. My paintings depict gynandromorphs with bilateral symmetry. These creatures, nicknamed “half-siders”, are split down the middle, exhibiting male characteristics on one size and female characteristics on the other. In highlighting gynandromorphs I wanted to shine a light on and celebrate the vast array of gender identities and expressions in the natural world.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Julie Waltz-Stalker is a visual artist based in Corning, NY. She creates primarily in oil paint, alternating between representational and abstract styles. Much of her work is informed by her personal history and explores the intersection between what is seen and unseen, the physical and the psychological. In 2006 Julie received her BA in Fine Art from Houghton College, with concentrations in painting and sculpture. She spent three years as a studio assistant and apprentice to the painter Thomas S. Buechner before focusing on her own practice. Julie has received multiple awards in juried shows and her work has been displayed in solo and group exhibitions across the continental U.S.
© Julie Waltz-Stalker