Julie Slattery shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Julie, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Starting my own foundry. I have spend years of my art career travelling to different foundries and workshops to cast my work because there isn’t somewhere accessible where I live. I am in the process now of planning my foundry/art gallery business to open sometime in 2026. This will make it immensely easier for me to cast my own work and also help others cast theirs.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I am Julie Slattery. I am a metal sculpture artist. I work with bronze, aluminum and iron, creating small to life-size figure sculptures. I attended Alfred University for sculpture and have worked in several different foundries across the country. I currently reside in Asheville, NC and am in the process of opening my own foundry. I have a side hustle trimming dogs nails, I love dogs!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was probably when I started my own little business at age 11. I would make miniature greeting cards and sell them at family holidays and birthday parties to my family members. Earning my own money from something that I made was extremely empowering.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When I graduated college, I didn’t make art for three years. I didn’t know if that was a good career choice or if I was even good at it. I thought getting a “regular job” was the “smart” thing to do. But after a while of working for other people, I realized I wasn’t happy and I missed making art. I love working for myself. It is so fulfilling.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My husband! He is the kindest and most empathetic person I know. He treats every person with kindness and respect, whether they are unhoused or live in a mansion. I love this about him.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had 10 years left, I would stop using social media immediately. I would choose the be more present with my loved ones and spend a lot less time looking at screens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.julieslattery.com
- Instagram: julieslatterysculpture
