Juli Baker
Juli Baker, also known as Phaan, is an artist whose vibrant paintings prioritise emotional expression over realism. Inspired by Hockney and Matisse, her work reflects personal experiences and serves as a form of journaling. She has collaborated with Nike and Vogue Thailand and showcased her art in solo exhibitions worldwide.
1. Why did you choose this piece to feature in the collaboration with LØCI?
This painting is one of my favourites, it’s simple, looks figurative yet abstract and it gives joyful energy which I thought would be nice to be printed on something we could use in our everyday life, just to cheer ourselves up by looking at it.
2. What are your inspirations, how does your art come about?
My inspiration comes from my life experiences, places I’ve been, people I’ve met and talked to and all my thoughts, memories and feelings. I love painting women and feel most comfortable in telling stories about them. Some of my art is just about releasing my own feelings in a therapeutic way and sometimes I use it as a form of expressing my messages to society, or resisting the injustice in our world. I believe in the power of art.
3. Is there a deeper meaning behind your artwork that may not be obvious to everyone?
Yes, some people might perceive my art as just a decorative type of art because I use pastel colour ways and there’re lots of flowers but actually the story behind most of my shows are very political. I’m into feminism and, living in a country that sometimes lacks freedom of expression, I find that art is my tool for expressing my thoughts and resisting inequality.
4. If your art had a soundtrack what songs or genres would be playing?
Experimental jazz maybe? It’s quite improvised, messy and alive.
5. What message would you give aspiring artists?
Ooh this one is probably the hardest to answer. I’d say it’s impossible to have everyone like your art, the most important part is you have to like what you do and enjoy the process. I think working hard is overrated, get some rest, go out, talk to people, join workers unions and strike if you need to.
