Looking for something?

Tap outside or press close

NewsArt & Culture

Juli ​Bolaños-Durman's help in staying creative (and sane) as lockdown continues

As lockdown – at some degree, at least – continues, it's likely there's still a fair few kids (and their grownups) in need of a little creative inspiration. For those who find themselves stuck, look to artist Juli ​Bolaños-Durman and their Stay Creative with Juli initiative.

Written By:
Hand holding a pen colours in geometric patterns on a yellow and white illustration sheet from Juli Bolaños-Durman's Stay Creative initiative

The award-winning Costa Rican-born, Scotland-based artist and designer, Juli Bolaños-Durman has created a series of illustrations to print or download to an iPad from Bolaños-Durman's dedicated website section. The idea is that children, or anyone, in fact, can colour in the artist's illustrations and in doing so create their very own piece of art.​

Bolaños-Durman has also created time-lapse videos to help guide users in the process, which can also be seen on the site or their Instagram profile @julibd_com.

"In this day and age we are constantly reminded of the urgency to be productive, where the notion' time is money' is always upon us like a heavy gorilla on our shoulders," says Bolaños-Durman, taking an unusual metaphor, but one we're pretty into. "The pandemic we are now experiencing has instead shown us the importance of connecting in this revitalising sacred space where we can self-regulate and heal from a place of joy.

"I'm hoping this project is a small way to keep families occupied and creative during this time. It's great ​to share this simple tool with ​the community, and I look forward to seeing everyone's work."

All participants are encouraged to share their work on Instagram using the hashtag #staycreative.

Person viewed from behind at a windowsill with art supplies and materials, looking out onto stone buildings through a multi-paned sash window
Hand-coloured illustration by Juli Bolaños-Durman featuring three red birds among green and yellow foliage on a white background
Five decorative perfume bottles with varied geometric glass designs in green, clear and purple tones arranged in a row
Sculptural figure made of clear and translucent materials stacked vertically with green, blue and gold metallic bands, white pleated skirt, and simplified line-drawn arms and legs
Bright yellow colouring magnifying glass lying on an open sketchbook with Juli Bolaños-Durman's hand-drawn illustrations in pink and brown tones
Share

Further Reading