Julz Coffey. Waiinu based mixed media artist.
The Poetics of Place 10th Nov – 21st Dec 2026
The Poetics of place will highlight the works of three invited artists who explore how their surroundings shape their lives and their art practices. Julz is currently living at Waiinu – a wonderful undeveloped and very magical West Coast beach of our North Island, just out of Whanganui.
The influence of this coastal dwelling permeates Julz’s works not just in her chosen subject matter but also in her palette and how she uses textures. It is as if there is a fusion of the marine with the human.
Julz has very kindly answered our written interview questions so we can get to know her a bit before the exhibition opens.
Can you briefly describe to us your art practice?
My art practice is Mixed media mainly using the found.
What initially attracted you to the methods you use for your art practice?
I have always been a constant collector since childhood.
What or who were your early artistic influences?
My early influence was the Invercargill dump on a Saturday morningv bringing home all manner of things to make stuff. My Grandmother was also a maker.
Was there a specific life event that has most strongly influenced your artistic journey? If so can you explain how please?
I had always wanted to be an artist when I was 42 a pamphlet from The Learning Conextion came across my path.
What was your route to becoming an artist?
When I had passed The Learning Conextion Course in Art and Creativity , a Scholarship was offered which spurred me on.
Tell us a bit about your creative process from conception to realisation please.
I find something on the foreshore, look at it and see potential although I don’t always know what in the beginning – work evolves.
You have a wide range in your portfolio of works can you please describe some of your chosen techniques and how you choose to use them in particular?
The collage works involve using old book pages ephemera found in op shops etc. Vessels are a way of containing layers for me.
What currently inspires you?
My current inspiration is where I live at Waiinu Beach South Taranaki.
Is there a piece of your work that holds particularly fond memories for you and why?
One piece of work that holds my interest is a woman in an apron having a tea break. As a woman artist there is a great reason to show the domestic side of me.
How has your work developed since you began and how do you see it evolving in the future?
I see my work has developed since the Learning Conextion days however the three things that stay a constant are Postcards, Textile work and Found Objects.
What advice would you give young people considering following their dream of being a full time artist?
My advice to young people is draw every day make something everyday. This is how your Art Practice will get better and better.
What is something you cannot take your eyes off when you see it – that fascinates and mesmerises you?
I find layered work fascinates and mesmerisms me wondering what lies beneath.
What is your favourite way to unwind or de-stress?
I am an active relaxer so a good walk on my own is a good de-stress for me.
The Beach – Paper, Books and Baskets.
22nd December 2022 – 30th January 2023
It is a great thrill to get a work from Julz as her works are so much in demand. Fortunately for us she participated in the concertina book challenge and created her delightful Great Grandma Brown book.
The images below are the pages of her work in the order of the book.
I would say a primary love for Julz is the human in all shapes and disguises. Other works in her portfolio that demonstrate this are shown below. The female central character of her concertina book is as always depicted in a highly evocative manner.
Julz has recently been awarded the Recaffeinate Merit Award in the Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review currently on at the Sargent Gallery Whanganui. Congratulations Julz. It is a beautiful textile work. imaged below. Congratulations Julz
This is the award winning piece ‘Lost for Words”
You can follow Julz on her Facebook page.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/julzstudio/
Please call the gallery on +64 021 407 424 or email viv@blacknosugar.com for more details about this concertina book work of Julz – Great Grandma Brown .