My name is Julie Archibald and I am a woodcarver currently living in Southampton Ontario. I grew up in the Guelph area and moved to Southampton full-time about 12 years ago. As a child, I was always drawing something, I moved to painting with acrylics as a teen. In early adulthood, I discovered a love of wood and started to explore wood carving. I shared a passion for birds with my father and it inspires much of my work. I grew up in the country, and I was surrounded by nature, aviaries, and exotic birds for pets. Carving birds was an obvious next step, and recently I find my carving evolving into other areas. I have always had a love of nature, the outdoors and gardening. I love the plant materials, the birds they attract and the entire design aspect of gardening, it is reflected in my art. Creating is a large part of who I am, a gardener, photographer, painter, decorator and wood carver. Since moving to Southampton, I have found the time, space and inspiration to really make art a larger part of my life. I feel a peace and balance when I sit back and reflect on my latest project. I see family and friends in each piece, their inspiration, love and support that have helped me create. I find my art evolving and becoming a bit more abstract. I don’t feel the need to stay within the lines, but to delve deeper and feel stronger as I find my truth. I fear less as I do more. I don’t fear the lack of perfection, but bathe in its beauty.