Higgins work could best be described as celebrations - her joyful paintings pay homage to her inspirations and hearld a refreshing and celebratory vision of nature. Many of Higgins' inspirations become repeating icons in her works. In a style reminiscent of Mexican muralists, bold voluptuous women, agricultural fields, crescent moons, and calla lilies intertwine to tell her own mythology. The colors themselves lend intensity to the images, as terracotta figures dance between azure skies and verdant fields. Higgins says of her work, "The process is very intuitive, with color, form, imagery, and symbols often leading from one to the next."

And while the symbols convey a sense of universal storytelling, Higgins' vibrant paintings have a particular connection to the local landscape. Their resplendent, earthy, often centrally placed female figures are reminiscent in themselves of the hills and valleys that surround us, and the luscious fruits that adorn them echo the area's own fertile harvest.

Higgins exhibits throughout the wine country annually and is the resident artist with "the girl & the fig" restaurants in Sonoma, CA. Her work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums as well as many alternative venues and can be found in collections nationwide and abroad.

When visiting the Mendocino Coast you can find her work at "The Moosse Cafe", "Highlight Gallery", "The Mendocino Art Center" to name a few or feel free to schedule a visit to her studio where you will find a selection of originals, prints, and a line of notecards to brouse through. Also,check out her website for on-going and up-coming exhibits of her work or to purchase her work online.

Studio Visits by Appointment: 707-937-4707 www.artistjuliehiggins.com