Art that cultivates curiosity and wonder // Artist Julie Lucht de Freibruch // Noosa, Queensland
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT JULIE...
JULIE LUCHT DE FREIBRUCH
Born in Belgium, Julie Lucht de Freibruch spent her early years in France and England before coming to Australia in 2006. Julie comes from a family of artists, including great-grandfather Ricciotto Canudo (1877-1923), friend of Picasso, Matisse and Jean Cocteau during the Cubist movement in 1910s and 1920s Paris.
Her work is inspired by her local environment, exploring Queensland’s vibrant tropical landscapes, its nature and distinctive buildings. The contrast between man-made and natural forms is a popular theme in her work.
Julie uses fluid acrylics in her paintings, her style inspired by the strong graphic design elements of printmaking, and atmospheric details of illustration.
Her characterful, colourful style has seen her undertake numerous private commissions and she is collected across the world. She lives near Noosa on the Sunshine Coast with her husband and two young children.
AWARDS & PRIZES
2024
Finalist // "Ephemeral"
Local Contemporary Art Prize (Caloundra Art Gallery) 2024
2022
Finalist // "Alchemy"
National Emerging Art Prize (NEAP) 2022
2021
Winner // "Jungalow Escape"
Art2Life Pride & Joy Competition
EXHIBITIONS
2024
Local Contemporary Art Prize (Caloundra Art Gallery) 2024
2023
Country Style magazine collaborative exhibition //
Michael Reid Murrurundi //
March 2 - March 26, 2023
Noosa Regional Gallery // Tewantin
More than the sum of its parts //
Feb 3 - March 2023
Montville Art Gallery // Montville
Artist of the Month - November 2023
2022
Montville Art Gallery //
Artist of the Month - June 2022
Toowoomba Art Show //
April 2022
2021
Montville Art Gallery //
Artist of the Month - May 2021
2019
Eclectica 2019 //
Butter Factory Arts Centre, Cooroy, Australia // Group show
Horizon Festival 2019 //
Creative Arts Alliance & Third Drawer Down, Maroochydore, Australia // Group show
2006
Victor Harbor Art Show 2006 //
Victor Harbor, SA, Australia // Group show
MAGAZINE ARTICLES
2022
Here & Now Magazine //
Oct/Nov 2021
2021
Salt Magazine //
Winter 2021
Why Smart Coconut?
I love words that have double meanings, so when I became a freelance graphic designer, and was looking for a name that might encompass many things, I chose Smart Coconut.
Smart = looking stylish & well-thought out
Cocount = tropical & another word for your head
Ultimately, I felt my USP was that I had a degree in Pyschology, and therefore could logically work things out better than a lot of other creatives. Do I wish that it was something different now? Of course! As a creative person, it's tempting to always be changing things up and evolving. Still, to change it now, just because, is probably not a good enough reason! What I don't like about it, is the presumption that I'm saying I'm smart. Because I'm not saying that at all... just more... thoughtful.