During 1992 and 1993 I have produced and exhibited paintings and drawings under the title BORN TO SHOCK. The imagery within this show dealt with political and moral issues. The technique was adept using oil paint and gold leaf, brilliant colors and glossy surfaces. The opulence served to seduce the viewer to confront a message of a challenging nature.

I have been called a "controversial" artist by the media and critics. Although I am aware of the pitfalls of making a career of controversy I intentionally write the media into the "scripts" of my work as a method of multiplying the life of the imagery. I don't use media potential as my basic premise. The issues I address come from my perspective as a woman within the framework of our contemporary society. I edit ideas and build works over a duration involving critical decisions and definitive feminine wit.

Julie Oakes