Studio Stories: Juli Song & Mountain Grass Gallery + Bistro

AUArts students don't just get to sell their work through AUArtsSA Show + Sale, they also get to make great connections with local galleries and organizations that will help propel their artistic careers. For this month's Studio Story, we got to chat with Show + Sale artist Juli Song (she/her), who was selected from our Virtual Spring Market 2022 by gallerist Diana Fox (she/her) to show her adorable ceramic frog planters at Mountain Grass Gallery + Bistro, based in Kimberley, BC.

"Juli’s work popped out because it was so unlike other functional ceramics, and has a fun, whimsical, and cute aesthetic. This is why we wanted Juli’s work at Mountain Grass, as it’s so unique and joyful and we have found the customer response to be even more positive than we anticipated." - Diana Fox 

Interview with Juli Song

Q: “What was it like being a part of our Virtual Spring Market for the first time?”

A: This past spring was my very first time selling my art with Show + Sale, and my first time selling online. The Virtual Spring Market was a great launching point for me and it gave me a reason to focus on creating and presenting my work to the public. The journey of learning how to take my own photos, price my work, and create online listings was incredibly insightful for me as a ceramicist and craft artist.

Q: “Is it exciting having your work selected for a gallery?”

A: 100% yes! It feels great to have my work recognized and have others appreciate it. Seeing my work on a display shelf in a gallery and signing a formal contract feels like a big step towards being a professional artist. Mountain Grass is also in BC, so I’m reaching a different market than just here in Calgary. As a craft person, I love seeing my work going to a home where it’ll be taken care of.

Q: “Why frogs?”

A: Simple answer? Frogs are really cute! I find my artistic practice is divided into very serious contemporary performance that deals with identity politics and joyful making that is both meditative and fun to create, such as my frogs. To balance out the seriousness of my conceptual practice, I like creating cute things that make me happy: fun colours, adorable animals, and fun figurines. Have a diverse practice helps me maintain my creativity, and who doesn't love frogs?

Q: “What is your summer looking like? What’s next?”

A: I’m working at the Students' Association this summer and having a blast. I’m really excited to be giving back to the school community. In terms of my practice, being a ceramicist in the summer when I don’t have studio space can be tough. But don't worry, there's lots of ways for me to be creative without needing a kiln. Right now I’m sketching and brainstorming so I can try out new designs this fall when I'm back at school. Summer lets me slow down a bit, and when fall comes around I’ll be back to making ceramics for the next Winter Market!

Mountain Grass Gallery + Bistro

Located in Kimberley, BC, Mountain Grass Gallery + Bistro (run by AUArts alum Diana Fox) is a unique destination gallery focused on carrying artisanal Canadian glass, beautiful functional art, and serving healthy and delicious food. Our glass is handmade by talented Canadian artists and production studios. We focus on curating a collection of the finest and most unique Canadian glass and fine craft. Our gallery features handmade and artisanal goods and fine art from a variety of local makers.
In addition to handmade functional glass and ceramics from emerging and established Canadian artisans, our bricks and mortar store carries an extensive selection of Canadian cannabis accessories brands, as well as popular international brands.
Our bistro features healthy and delicious quick serve food, perfect for takeout or dining in. Our seasonal patio is a beautiful place to enjoy a break from the day and our lunch counter is perfect for a quick bite with a friend. Photo credit: Leia Guo.

Website: https://www.mountaingrass.ca/

Juli Song (AKA The Clay Puddle) is a 4th year Ceramics Major at AUArts. Thematically inspired by the environments and inhabitants of a pond, she personifies functional ware into cute frogs and other little critters.Juli believes having objects in the home that are humorous and fun livens up any environment!   

Website/Portfolio: https://julicsong.wixsite.com/julicristinasong 
Photo credit: Juli Song

Located in Kimberley, BC, Mountain Grass Gallery + Bistro (run by AUArts alum Diana Fox) is a unique destination gallery focused on carrying artisanal Canadian glass, beautiful functional art, and serving healthy and delicious food. Our glass is handmade by talented Canadian artists and production studios. We focus on curating a collection of the finest and most unique Canadian glass and fine craft.

Website: https://www.mountaingrass.ca/
Photo credit: Leia Guo