The Central App shares a story of our region’s artists each month. If you know someone with creative talent to nominate contact: [email protected]

Alexandra woman Linnet Julius is an artist, a senior solicitor at Checketts McKay and a mum of two boys aged 10 and 13. 

Where do you live in Central Otago?

“I live in Alexandra, and am loving the beautiful blossoms around as we get ready for blossom festival. It’s my favourite time of year.”

How did you get started as an artist?

“I started drawing from an early age. My grandfather Ray Melhop was an artist as well as an engineer in Invercargill. I have memories of him showing me how he painted and he would always send a card that he had drawn for my birthday with a note in it.

“My mum also liked to draw. I took art subjects at school and it has continued from there. [Art is] always my happy place to come back to.”

Pen sketch of Kaka in progress.

How have you ended up living and working here?

“I grew up in Auckland, went to University in Dunedin and then married a local Alex boy. We decided to move down to Alexandra when my oldest son was about seven months old in 2011. Almost a local?”

What's your favourite spot in Central?

“I love getting out walking in summer with friends, at Butchers dam and behind the clock. I have also lived in Wānaka for a few years so love visiting there too.”

What else are you involved in within the community? 

“I am a cub leader with Scouts NZ, on the Terrace School Parent Teacher Association and also get involved with my children's sports, cricket and football.”

What do you see as the biggest challenge for Central Otago?

“The cost of living and lack of housing for people is coming to be a real issue here. This seems to be the case throughout New Zealand, but I think it is amplified here due to the lack of accommodation for workers.”

How can people find out more about your art? 

“My art prints are at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery and Mainstreet Barbers for purchase.

“People can contact me directly via Instagram or Facebook @linneydraws. I have an etsy store linneydraws as well that people can [check out].

“I also do commissions and at the moment completing a picture in memory of a beautiful chocolate labrador for his owners.

“People can email me at [email protected] too.”

Postcard sized prints by Linnet.

How did you manage through the pandemic and what are you doing differently post Covid-19?

“Like most people, it was a bit of a shock and a surreal experience to go through. My work was amazing and we managed to set up so that staff could work from home.

“It was a juggle working from home and also ensuring my boys carried out their online learning.

“I now work from home one day a week which I didn’t do before the pandemic.”

Pen sketch of a Kiwi.

What does the future look like for you and your artistic work?

“I hope to be able to continue drawing and producing art. I’ve got a few ideas in my head that I need to get on paper.

“I am also hoping to grow my presence as an artist in between the daily juggle of family and work.”

Portrait of Snoop Dogg. 

PHOTOS: The Central App and supplied