Meet Julie

I birthed Chiffon Boutique in 2016 as a way of portraying my artwork. My artwork is an expression of life and how I see the world. I was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Although I have worked in the health care field for the past 15 years, I cannot deny my love for art and hope my passion comes through in my work.

My story

In one August, doctors cut a hole in my throat. It was a new experience for me, but not the first of its kind. I have been going through procedures, surgeries and other medical treatments as though it was a business project that had a due date. I have been submerged in the healthcare field as a child as well as an adult; both personally and professionally for 15 years.

I have battled a condition called Cystic Hygroma; a fancy way of saying my cells don’t grow correctly. Life for me defied all odds, the chance for surviving has not always been guaranteed.

They say beauty is born from pain and perhaps there is truth to that because I’ve been painting abstract acrylics and sunsets since 2016 and my work reflects my journey in life.

I never took the time to sit down and comprehend that I was at war with my body. I was compartmentalizing my thoughts and emotions while conquering the physical realm. It wasn’t until I picked up a brush, I was able to envision open bliss. Through my paintings I look forward to showing how colours can reflect my thoughts and emotions, while different strokes of my brushes can allude to the intensity of my feelings.

My Why

I use my artwork to continue believing and fighting for myself. For the briefest moment between waking and gaining control of my emotions, I feel unable to withstand the pressure of the world. There’s an undercurrent of vulnerability and defeatism that comes with living with a chronic illness. If I don’t battle that current and swim with all my strength, it washes me away.

My artwork allows me to discover this beautiful world as much as possible. I hope to shed positivity and give hope to people, especially those with chronic illness.

Gold. The color of the rising sun. The hue of new beginnings. The shimmer of hope has always rose with me when I wake. I paint with gold as it represents a sense of hope. The type of Hope that is required to move forward each day.

We all could be inspired and use a bit of hope. We all face adversity that is unmeasurable. My abstract artwork is intended to bring optimism and joy into a room with its dynamic colors and textures.

  • I appreciate your interest! Currently I only sell my originals. I may decide to sell prints in the future, but as I have a new baby at home, it is not in the cards right now.

  • Absolutely! Contact me using the form at the bottom of this page and I'll be delighted to discuss your idea with you.

  • This depends on the size of the piece -- shipping for larger pieces may be cost prohibitive. Contact me, and let me know what piece you are interested in and where you would need it shipped. We can figure out the best way to make it work!