Many moons ago, I discovered the work of Julie Morstad on one of my all-time favorite albums, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood by Neko Case. The cover art is delicate and subtly macabre, which complements the sounds of the album.
Over ten years later, Julie is still creating illustration—including many picture books. Her illustrations aren’t nearly as eerie, but they do communicate a sense of placidity that has spanned time. The landscape illustrations feature a figure (or three) as they appear lost in quiet thought and enjoying their alone time. Coupled with a flattened drawing style, I can’t help but be reminded of the Mid-century modern work of Mary Blair.
Julie sells prints of her work through her online shop.
