How Artist Julia Hacker Paints Like Nobody’s Watching and Captures Life’s Essence

Julia Hacker is a Russian-born, Toronto-based artist known for her abstract floral paintings. With a background in fashion design and a rich cultural heritage, Julia shares how her art is a blend of personal experience, deep reflection, and an exploration of the world around her. In this interview, she talks about her unique creative process, where intuition and emotion guide her work, and how she finds inspiration in the changes women experience, relationships, and spiritual growth. Julia also reveals her approach to art as a dialogue about unity, connection, and accepting change, with each piece serving as both an emotional journey and an invitation for others to engage in deeper reflection.

Julia Hacker is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist working in various traditional and mixed mediums, including oil, acrylic paint, handmade collage, and illustration. Julia is an Elected Member of the Canadian Society of Artists and a Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. Julia Hacker was born and raised in Minsk, Belorussia. At 17, after high school, she left her hometown to study art. The artist received a Master’s Degree from Belorussian University and worked as a leading fashion designer in the fashion center. She also ran a monthly spread in a local fashion magazine and created stage costumes for music performers and singers.

In 1990, following the Chornobyl nuclear meltdown, Hacker moved to Canada, Toronto. Julia Hacker’s artistic path took a new direction when she relocated to Canada, where she currently resides and creates art. Over the years, she has dedicated herself to further developing her skills through various workshops and art classes, enriching her repertoire of techniques and artistic knowledge. Today, Hacker is a full-time artist recognized internationally for her exceptional talent. Julia Hacker has amassed an impressive body of work, showcasing her art through numerous solo and group exhibitions across notable locations such as Canada, Toronto, New York, California, and Texas. She collaborates closely with interior designers and real estate agents and undertakes commissions and installations, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability in different artistic contexts.

As a Toronto-based abstract floral artist, I craft large-scale acrylic canvases exploring the beauty and resilience of nature as a mirror to human experience. My art is a dialogue on unity, respect, and the profound connections between society and the environment. Embracing vibrant colors and abstract forms, I delve into the rich tapestry of emotions, aiming to ignite reflection and a sense of interconnectedness in the viewer. My practice transcends aesthetics, challenging norms and championing strength, especially in the context of women and aging. Each piece is an invitation to engage with deeper issues and embrace change, blending visual allure with a meaningful ethos.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Sure, I’d be happy to share a bit about myself! I’m a Russian-born Canadian and work as a contemporary artist. My journey into the arts was somewhat shaped by my academic background—I hold a Master’s in Fashion Design, which has deeply influenced my aesthetic and the sensibilities I bring to my artwork. Alongside my career, I’m a mother to three wonderful children who inspire me every day. My art and my family life are profoundly interconnected, as both drive my passion for creating and exploring new expressions. Being able to blend my cultural heritage with my professional and personal experiences enriches my work and motivates me to push the boundaries of creativity.

I find inspiration for my artwork in the rich tapestry of life itself. Particularly, I draw from the seasonality in a woman’s life—the changes and cycles that we experience.

Julia Hacker

2. What inspired you to become an artist?

Growing up, I was incredibly fortunate to spend my childhood immersed in some of the world’s finest museums. This exposure opened my eyes early on to the vast realms of expression and culture that art encapsulates. By the time I was 15, the diverse and powerful messages conveyed through art had deeply moved me, and I knew without a doubt that I wanted to become an artist. The idea of being able to express one’s perspective and evoke emotions through visual mediums was captivating. It wasn’t just a decision; it felt like discovering a calling that connected me to a broader conversation about life and human experience through the language of art.

3. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

You know, it usually starts with what I like to call a ‘craving.’ It might be a particular mix of colors or a certain kind of movement that just grabs me. Most of the time, my art kicks off from this very intuitive place, just responding to that craving. Then, as I build the piece in layers, different images start to pop up, and that’s when the real storytelling begins, almost on a subconscious level. I’ve taken to calling my approach Creative Resolution Therapy. When I step back and look at the completed artwork, I can see reflections of my internal battles, longings, and even hidden hints of solutions to my struggles. It’s like each piece has these clues embedded in it, just waiting for me to uncover them right there on the canvas

4. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

I find inspiration for my artwork in the rich tapestry of life itself. Particularly, I draw from the seasonality in a woman’s life—the changes and cycles that we experience. Relationships and their evolution also play a significant role, reflecting the dynamic and fluid nature of human connections. Additionally, spiritual growth is a profound source of inspiration for me. It’s about capturing those deep, transformative moments that resonate with the essence of what it means to evolve and grow spiritually. Each piece I create aims to reflect these aspects of life, hoping to connect on a level that resonates deeply with others.

5. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

There’s a unique aspect to how I relate to my artwork. I’m a bit unusual in that I don’t feel possessive over my pieces. While I’m in the process of creating, I have a deep and intimate connection with my work—it’s a full-blown relationship. But once a piece is completed, I feel it’s time to let it go. It’s similar to a mother realizing her child has grown up and needs to lead their own life. This detachment isn’t about a lack of care; rather, it’s a recognition that the artwork has its journey to make, its own stories to tell to others. This perspective helps me continuously create without holding back, allowing each piece to find its place in the world, just as it’s meant to.

There’s a unique aspect to how I relate to my artwork. I’m a bit unusual in that I don’t feel possessive over my pieces. While I’m in the process of creating, I have a deep and intimate connection with my work—it’s a full-blown relationship.

Julia Hacker

Through her beautiful abstract floral paintings, Julia conveys themes of resilience, transformation, and unity. Influenced by her cultural heritage and personal journey, Julia’s work invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of change, the strength found in life’s cycles, and the interconnectedness of all things. To learn more about Julia Hacker, click on the links below.