Story & Lesson Highlights with Julia Parisi of Sydney, Australia

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Julia Parisi. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Julia, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is always busy but rewarding. From Monday to Friday, I work full-time supporting students with additional needs, which is a role I find both meaningful and inspiring. After work, I shift gears into my studies as I’m currently completing my degree to become a primary school teacher. In between all of that, I dedicate time to my art, whether I’m working on commissioned pieces or creating smaller works to take to markets on the weekends. Art gives me that creative balance in my life and keeps me connected to my own passions alongside my work and studies.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Julia Parisi, and I run my creative brand Julia Parisi Art. I officially started selling my paintings in 2020, though my love for art has been with me since I was young. Like many people, I put art aside during high school, but in 2020, I rediscovered my passion and decided to share my work more widely. What began as a personal creative outlet quickly evolved into a small business, selling online and attending markets to connect with people face-to-face. My art is special to me because it’s not only a way to express myself but also a way to bring warmth and character into other people’s homes. Right now, I’m continuing to grow my practice through commissions and market pieces, while always evolving my style and experimenting with new ideas.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
When I first started painting, I felt pressure to follow a certain style or focus on specific subjects, especially when I was taking commissions. It often felt like I couldn’t branch out or explore freely. Over time, I realised that art doesn’t need to fit into expectations, itt needs to feel authentic. I slowly stepped back from commissions that didn’t inspire me and began painting what I truly love. That decision gave me the freedom to explore, evolve, and create a style that feels genuine to me.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most has been tied to my struggles with OCD and perfectionism. For a long time, I found it difficult to know when a painting was truly finished, often pushing past that point and risking overworking or even ruining it. Over time, I’ve learned to recognise when a piece feels complete, even if it isn’t “perfect.” I’ve taught myself to step back, give the work space to breathe, and return to it with fresh eyes rather than rushing to finish under pressure. This shift has not only improved my art but also helped me build patience, resilience, and trust in my own creative process.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
The ideas I rely on most that aren’t my own are my dad’s. He introduced me to art when I was young, and over the years, he’s been a huge influence on my creative process. I really value his perspective on my work, whether it’s giving feedback on a piece, suggesting new subjects, or inspiring me to try different techniques. His input helps me see my art in new ways and keeps me exploring and experimenting, which has been invaluable to my growth as an artist.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace by myself in my studio, with my favourite music on and my paintings all around me. I love having lots of works in progress and moving between them, letting the process guide me. In those moments, I feel completely in my element.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juliaparisiart.com
• Instagram: @juliaparisiart
• Facebook: @juliaparisiart