Flowers in Jerusalem

Anne Julie's art blossoms at the YMCA.

By HELENE EISENSTEIN
kalaniot (photo credit: )
kalaniot
(photo credit: )
Not limited to just canvas, Danish artist Anne Julie makes flowers bloom out of carved wood as well. She's "a celebrity artist in the world of crafting smoking pipes," according to Mark Kotliar, director of the Tel Aviv-based Pipe and Tea Company. Julie debuts her painting and pipe collection locally at the Jerusalem International YMCA this Sunday. For over forty years, Julie has drawn inspiration from Danish gardens and life. Her images of flowers, children and clowns have been exhibited in Japan, Italy and the United States. Kotliar describes her work as, "paintings that make you very happy just by seeing them." Her energy manifests itself in brilliant colors, bold brushstrokes and images of spring. Bordering on the abstract, Julie's paintings allow the viewer room for interpretation while still emanating an undeniable feeling of joy. The Pipe and Tea Company is sponsoring Julie's exhibition because of her status in the world of smoking pipes and because it feels that Israel should experience her energetic artwork. Primarily an importer of exotic teas, The Pipe and Tea Company also sells ornate pipes at its Tel Aviv showroom. Julie's exhibition is their first venture of this sort, one that Kotliar hopes will attract both smoking pipe aficionados and art enthusiasts. The exhibit's goal, he says, "is to show people a new artist that Israel has never seen. She loves it here, so Israel should see her art." Julie travels to Israel annually, frequently visiting and painting images of the Dead Sea and Jerusalem. Of the thirty pieces to be displayed (and on sale) at the YMCA, a number were influenced by Jerusalem and its culture. Due to the delicate nature of her carved pipes, a selection of them will only be displayed when a member of the Pipe and Tea Company is present. Anne Julie's art goes on display at the Jerusalem International YMCA (26 King David St., (02) 569-2692) from March 8 to 22 and her pipes till the 10. Entrance is free.