Today we’d like to introduce you to David Julian.
Hi David, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As a child, my natural curiosity led me to explore the world extensively. My father was in the military, and I lived in various states across the US and countries overseas including Panama, the Philippines, and Germany, I found fascination in the diverse environments of each new home. In moments when I wasn’t adventuring outside, National Geographic Magazine became my window to the world, illuminating a career path aligned with my passion.
I inherited my first camera, a plastic Kodak, at the age of 13. This small device became my tool for capturing moments, emotions, and messages, allowing me to express my unique perspective of the world. Amidst the competitive environment of four older brothers, photography became my way of asserting my presence, a means of documenting my existence in specific times and places. This desire to examine our existence and our relationship with the world is an experience that resonates universally.
After my father retired from military service, our family returned to our roots in South Dakota. I pursued higher education at the University of South Dakota, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication and a Minor in Fine Arts. For the next three years, I worked as a news videographer and editor for an ABC-affiliated television station, then returned to the University of South Dakota and earned a Master of Arts Degree in broadcast management. This academic background laid the foundation for my career as a professional artist, and I have actively participated in juried art festivals across the United States.
South Florida, renowned by artists and collectors, became my artistic hub. I regularly exhibit my work at prestigious juried events in Florida such as the Coconut Grove Art Festival, Naples National Art Festival, Arti-Gras Art Festival in West Palm Beach, Las Olas Art Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Bonita Springs Art Festival, Sarasota Downtown Art Festival, Saint Armand’s Circle Art Festival, Maitland Rotary Art Festival, Juno Beach Art Festival, Pensacola Gulf Coast Art Festival, and many more. Throughout the summer months, I also participate in many other juried events around the United States. Through the relationships I’ve cultivated, I started collaborating with conservation organizations as well. Connecting with individuals who share my passion for the natural world and the conservation of our planet has become a source of great pride.
A significant milestone in my journey occurred recently through a collaboration with the Miami-based non-profit organization Reclaimed Earth. I participated in the 2023 safari to South Africa, where I observed and documented the impactful work done by conservationists at the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. Currently, I am working on an art series where a portion of the sales will directly support organizations dedicated to nature conservation.
Now more than ever, my motivation stems from the urgent need to narrate a compelling story about our planet and our interconnectedness with nature and each other. Through my art and photography, I aspire to evoke emotions of joy, pleasure, tranquility, love, and connection. On an intellectual level, I aim to inspire a positive sense of identity and belonging with nature, motivating people to act to protect our precious planet.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My challenges align with those faced by many entrepreneurs. My primary struggle is to create work that holds significance both for myself and for others, work that moves individuals to purchase a piece of art thereby enabling my continued journey.
The digital medium has fortunately empowered me to experiment and take risks while remaining true to my values. In the past, photography and creating art necessitated chemicals, paints, paper, canvas, and more. Working with digital formats enables me to enjoy the creative process and evolution while minimizing the generation of waste if my art does not find a buyer.
The perceived value of a work of art is subjective and rejection is an inherent part of creative expression. Not everyone will be moved or appreciate the results of the art I create, so I have learned to respect others’ opinions. One must remain resolute in knowing one’s identity and I have learned not to let setbacks dampen my enthusiasm, rather I try to learn from them and grow. Building an audience and cultivating a base of collectors is a gradual process that demands time and persistence.
Maintaining a work-life balance requires constant effort. I invest substantial time in travel and immersing myself in the wilderness, a practice I consider a blessing. However, these pursuits require some sacrifices, such as leaving the wilderness to earn the ability to return to the wilderness!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The focus of my artwork is nature, and I’ve taken extensive measures to intimately engage with my subject. To do this, I decided to embrace a full-time camping lifestyle in 2012, living in a small motorhome with a Jeep Wrangler in tow.
This allows me to dwell in the wilderness, aligning perfectly with my values as a nature photographer. My creative process revolves around immersing myself in nature, seeking out and capturing images of my subjects in their most authentic form. I am grateful to be recognized as a photographer for my ability to authentically portray the beauty of the natural world.
In 2017, I began experimenting with the abstraction of my photography and created a distinctive style and aesthetic for which I coined the term “Hyperchrome.” My digital art involves using photo editing software to deconstruct my images, replacing the natural colors in my photographs with manually chosen, vivid, saturated, contrasting colors, resulting in a euphoric display of iconic creatures in a kaleidoscopic fashion.
Although I did not set out initially to create Pop Art, the historical significance and tradition of the Pop Art movement provide a rich source of inspiration for my creative endeavors. Through my work, I aim to craft icons for nature conservation, inviting viewers to actively participate in the cause. My art not only enriches its surroundings but also conveys a powerful message about our societal values.
In the re-imagination of my photography, I’ve adopted a more literal approach to my message. While art is valuable aesthetically, it serves the dual purpose as a compelling reminder for action. I seek to connect with individuals who, like me, recognize our shared responsibility in safeguarding the planet. My art is not merely an invitation to appreciate beauty; it’s a call to action, urging viewers to join me in the vital mission of environmental preservation.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
My artwork is about connection, and I could not do it without my collectors and those who support me. The easiest way to support me is by sharing my artwork with others. Please follow me on Instagram and social media. Find me @Dachralphoto.
My artwork is for sale, and I earn my livelihood through the sale of it. Buying my art not only enables my artistic pursuits, but I also actively donate and collaborate with organizations supporting nature conservation. By supporting me you also support them.
If you are interested in collaborating, I would love to hear from you! You can contact me by email: dachralphoto@gmail.com
My fine art prints and prices are available on my e-commerce site, www.davidajulian.com. Contact me directly for custom-sized and limited-edition art pricing. Email: dachralphoto@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.davidajulian.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dachralphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.julian.7547
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScq5oAcZgDpODSu9luhVmQ
