Femme Mécanique Designs
Julie Verfaillie
Montreal, Quebec
Booth C-11
MINI BIO
Julie Verfaillie's artistic journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of creativity. Having initially trained in jazz singing at Lionel Groulx in 2000, she faced a physical injury that forced her to step away from singing due to both excessive vocal strain and arthritis. In the pursuit of healing, both physically and emotionally, Julie redirected her creative energies towards visual arts. In 2011, she reached a pivotal juncture in her artistic journey upon completing her undergraduate studies in visual arts at Concordia University. Her exploration of installation work, integrating elements like sound, image, video projection, sculptures, and objects of significance, delved into themes of inner reflection, pain, and childhood. This marked a profound exploration into the deeper meaning and importance of these objects within her artistic narrative. Julie's artistic evolution continued as she transitioned into a full-time jeweler, self-taught through online resources and mastering techniques such as soldering, casting, stone setting, and plating by 2014. Nature emerged as a powerful muse, influencing her work profoundly. Inspired by the healing properties of plants, Julie found solace in nature's embrace. Mother Nature's intricate designs, from the uniqueness of every seed to the patterns in branches, bark, and leaves, became a wellspring of inspiration for her jewelry creations. Desiring that her work conforms to her values, Julie adopts eco-responsible processes in her creations. She prioritizes the use of recycled materials, minimizes waste and toxic products, and opts for packaging made of partially recycled and biodegradable materials. Her commitment extends to the metals and gemstones she employs—using completely and partially recycled metals and sourcing precious stones and diamonds that are certified conflict-free (ethically sourced, recycled, or lab-made). Not content with limiting herself to online sales, art fairs, and boutiques, Julie has harbored a dream for several years—to have a storefront that houses her own studio. This dream materialized at 2717 rue Masson in the Montreal district of Rosemont. Here, all Femme Mécanique Designs products are not only designed and manufactured but also sold on-site. The second facet of the boutique is a reflection of Julie's commitment to her values. It offers a curated selection of products that align with eco-responsibility, ethics, humane practices, and fairness. These products cater to conscientious consumers and the vegan community. The majority of items come from Canadian artisans and small businesses, creating a space where ethical craftsmanship meets conscious consumerism. Julie Verfaillie's multidisciplinary approach seamlessly weaves together her experiences in jazz singing, visual arts, and jewelry making, resulting in a rich tapestry of artistic expression that reflects her resilience, creativity, and continuous growth as an artist.
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