About

Julia Sikes-Provey is third-generation painter following in the footsteps of her late mother and grandfather. Growing up in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, she was exposed to a diverse landscape of Brownstones, artists, various cultures, and the harsh realities of life. Her parents were devoted to preserving and promoting the historic community, which was once part of the urban blight during that era.

During her time at local schools, Julia keenly observed the faces and styles of the city's diverse melting pot. Despite facing the challenges of dyslexia, she embraced her upbringing in a free-range bohemian urban pioneer setting, where she experienced both freedom and adversity.

Visiting her father's ancestral home in upstate New York was a cherished part of her life for many years. Her mother, Lucy Durand Sikes, painted plein air landscapes and drawings of the majestic farm town, while her father, Bill, worked on restoring the antique home, a captivating time capsule of generations past. Julia fondly recalls engaging in unique traditions, such as dressing up in vintage clothing found in the attic, exploring the woods and streams, and participating in old-time activities like foraging for berries and apples, as well as pickling and canning vegetables.

One particularly unusual activity involved donning designated old clothes to venture to the clay bank, reached by climbing under barbed wire fences and through cow fields to a small creek with thick clay-covered sides. In this magical place, Julia and her companions, including her mother Lucy, crafted numerous sculptures over the years, ranging from realistic portraits to whimsical large faces and animals.

Throughout the years, Julia documented life with her artistic photography, capturing the moments of her children, their cousins, and friends visiting the enchanting place called Johnsonburg. Her time at the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan exposed her to fine art classes and a wide range of NYC's artistic youth expressing themselves in diverse and outrageous styles, influenced by various music genres from Punk to mod, hardcore, hip-hop, new wave, and more.

Later on, Julia pursued her studies in painting and photography at SUNY Purchase. Her passion for collecting vintage clothes and unusual curiosities served as props for her photography, portraying portraits of herself and her friends.

Upon returning to Brooklyn, Julia embraced motherhood and married musician Vance Provey, with her children becoming her cherished subjects as she captured their childhood moments through photography. Her love for gardening provided a beautiful backdrop to her creative endeavors.

Eventually, Julia and her young family relocated to Newtown, CT, where she continued her pursuits in gardening, painting, and photography throughout the years.

Activism and liberal beliefs run deep in Julia's family, tracing back to her Quaker abolitionist ancestors and their involvement in the civil rights movement. Growing up in a multiracial neighborhood heightened her sensitivity and awareness of the historical and present racial injustices in our country. This awareness has been a driving force behind her artistic expressions, as Julia often includes people of color in her paintings to promote unity.

A significant turning point in her activism was the mass shooting that occurred in her Connecticut neighborhood's elementary school, prompting her to engage in the fight for gun control. Additionally, she passionately supported the women's rights movement.

Julia's activism extended beyond her artwork; she frequently created paintings to serve as signage for rallies and marches. Her active participation in social justice causes led her to join the rallies organized by Justice Southbury, a local group formed after the tragic murder of George Floyd. Julia continues to participate in their weekly rallies, advocating for various important causes.

Through her paintings, Julia pays tribute to those unjustly killed and shares messages of unity, aiming to contribute to a more just and compassionate society. Her commitment to activism and her liberal beliefs are a testament to the legacy of her family's traditions and the transformative power of art in advocating for positive change.