Illuminating the Past: Julia Bangert's Artistic Process

Image courtesy of Julia Bangert.

For most of human history, words didn’t mean much. Most people could not read, so art became the way to convey ideas and principles. It spoke when words could not, showing both literal and metaphorical meaning. While history is often written by the winners, art elevates shapes and colors to reveal multiple perspectives. Today, we often see art as a hobby or an afterthought. But artist Julia Bangert weaves history, art, and storytelling together to inspire a new generation of art lovers. I spoke to her to learn more about her artistic journey.

Image courtesy of Julia Bangert.

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Julia Bangert Interview

1. What is art?

Art can be many things today as long as someone defines it as such. What makes something art is not necessarily the object or the skill involved, but the idea, context, and intention behind it. For me, something is art if its only purpose is to convey a feeling or meaning. It does not have to be profound. It can simply be visually pleasing. Once something serves a practical purpose, its artistic aspect fades. In that sense, art exists purely for its own sake.

Image courtesy of Julia Bangert.

2. What is your artistic journey?

I have always loved painting and drawing, especially animals and portraits, but for a long time, it was just a hobby. While studying book studies at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, I discovered the Gutenberg Museum and learned that artists illuminate reproductions of pages from the Gutenberg Bible.

Image courtesy of Julia Bangert.

In 2013, I began working as one of the artists commissioned by the Gutenberg Foundation, progressively advancing to more complex pages and learning traditional techniques such as gilding. For many years, I felt I was reproducing historical work rather than creating my own.

That changed in 2020 during the pandemic when I began sharing my work on Instagram alongside my role as Managing Director of the Gutenberg Society. After receiving positive feedback and starting to create original work combining medieval-style lettering with realistic animal portraits, I began receiving commissions and transitioned into a professional art career. Last year, I began teaching book illumination and building a business around it.

Image courtesy of Julia Bangert.

3. How can people become less intimidated by art?

Art is not exclusive, and anyone can enjoy it without formal training. The internet has made art easier to access than ever, allowing people to discover it anywhere. Seeing artists share their creative process, including mistakes, makes art feel approachable rather than intimidating.

Image courtesy of Julia Bangert.

4. How do you incorporate your mission and vision into your work?

I earned a PhD in book studies, and my education shapes my artistic practice. I study art history, particularly book illumination, and use it as a foundation for contemporary work. Rather than recreating historical styles, I combine conventional elements with a modern perspective to demonstrate how historical art remains relevant today. Through my online courses, I also work to preserve and teach traditional techniques.

Image courtesy of Julia Bangert.

5. What advice would you give to those entering the art world?

Be confident in your work, have clear goals, and take action. While luck plays a role, success comes from preparation and strategy. If you want gallery representation, approach galleries intentionally. Expect setbacks and do not let them derail you.

Image courtesy of Julia Bangert.

6. What is next?

I am currently developing a new online course focused on medieval dragons and creating new artwork. My exhibition opens on April 25, 2026, at the Museum Bartlhaus in Pettenbach, Austria. I will also teach at a summer school in Hebdow, host another Medieval Art Retreat, and begin work on my first book.

Image courtesy of Julia Bangert.