Helping Neurodivergent Students Discover Their Creative Voices with Julia Thomson

In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Julia Thomson, a media artist and art educator residing in West Virginia. Julia, who received her BFA from Pratt Institute, discusses her journey as an artist whose work uniquely blends realism, abstraction, and surrealism. Her art is an exploration of the natural world, often blurring the lines between reality and dreams. 

She emphasizes the importance of creativity as a way to slow down and make sense of the world, maintaining curiosity and capturing the magic in overlooked details. As an educator, Julia has a unique approach to teaching art, focusing on neurodivergent individuals, and those who have often felt disconnected from their creative impulses. 

Her teaching philosophy is built on creating a gentle, pressure-free space for students to explore their creative voices without striving for perfection. Julia shared that the goal of her lessons is not to create perfect art but to help students better understand what inspires them creatively. 

Throughout our conversation, we explore the concept of voice in art, the role of inclusivity in creativity, and the idea that artistic talent is less about innate ability and more about enjoying and investing in the creative process. Julia's insights into overcoming the fear of imperfection and finding joy in the act of creation remind us that art is accessible to everyone, regardless of skill or previous experience. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this episode offers valuable lessons on embracing and nurturing your creative voice. 

Key Topics:

• Understanding neurodivergence
• How Julia got her start teaching adults with disabilities and neurodivergence
• How do you begin to find your creative vision if you don’t think you have one?
• Working with students who are doubtful of their artistic skills
• Defining the difference between talent and success for each individual student
• Gaining a deeper understanding of a person and their artistic taste
• What gives an artistic work a unique voice?
• Being creative is a part of being human — everyone is capable of being creative
• Things Julia has learned from her students over the years
• Getting the “shitty first draft” out of the way as an artist
• Always keep a notebook or sketchbook with you to find artistic threads as you go about life
• Navigating different needs from student to student

Connect with Julia online:

Website: https://www.juliathomson.com/

Instagram: @juliathomson.art

Find more from Jill:

Email: [e-mail]

Website: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/

Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching

Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to [e-mail] for ZOOM info

Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!