Seeing an ox through Julien Masson’s eyes

On a cold, rainy, day in Spring, one of our team members had the pleasure of meeting Julien Masson, an artist who intriguingly describes himself as a “frustrated scientist.” Originally hailing from France, Julien’s creative and energetic spirit (and we can testify to this) clearly shined through every brush stroke. We were interested to see the progress he had made, but more importantly keen to learn more about the person behind the painting and see the ox through his eyes.

Thanks for giving us the time to answer these questions. So, to begin, can you give us a brief history on your background?

I am an artist and designer. My background is in fine art and computer animation. Also, as a multimedia artist, I enjoy working in many different forms depending on the project I happen to be working on. I have exhibited my work in the southwest region of the UK and internationally.

I also work on many art and science projects, collaborating with scientists to help them present their research to a wider audience.

Was there a moment in time when you decided to become an artist?

I am quite a visually oriented person, partly due to my dyslexia, but also because being an artist is about creativity. I’ve always tried to be creative in everything I do.

My family travelled a lot, and I was lucky enough to experience many countries and cultures, which has undoubtedly influenced my Art and my ideas. I also want to stress that you don’t have to be an artist to be creative. Everyone can and should practice at being creative in some way.

How did you get into Wild in Art or is the first sculpture trail you’ve been involved with?

I have completed several Wild in Art trails all in the South West region and always find them enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding in equal measure. For me, it is very important to reach new audiences and help promote art in the community and Oxtrail is the perfect opportunity.

Your artwork for our ox is quite distinctive – it has a flow to it. Can you tell us what inspired your work?

This design is inspired by flow dynamics, specifically computer-generated fluid simulations used in science and engineering to test fluid behaviours in many different fields of scientific research.

My main source of inspiration is based on digital imaging;however, I used paint to produce the design. I really enjoy the process of painting, so every artwork is as much a voyage of discovery in the process of painting as it is about my ideas and interest.

Do you have any personal connections or stories that related to this design?

I am familiar with technology and used tools and software to simulate particular fluids. To me, it also made sense to propose a design that reflected all the amazing scientific research being undertaken in a centre for scientific excellence such as Oxford.

Did your design change as you were painting it? And is it harder to paint a 3D object?

Yes, it is much harder to take a 2D design and convert it to a 3D surface. Time and materials costs must be carefully considered.

And so, through the process of painting the ox I made several small changes to the design to make it even more rich and dynamic.

What would you like people to take away from your artwork?

I wanted to produce a design that was unique, visually exciting, and inspiring, something that appeals to a wide audience and demographic.

I look forward to hearing the feedback from the public and hopefully inspire others to have a go at producing a design for the next trail.

Are there any other artists or artworks at OxTrail2024 that you are particularly inspired by?

Cowslips, Winnie the Which of course…

What advice would you give to the younger artists that painted the smaller oxen?

Keep going, be focused on your practice, take every opportunity to express yourself, take your work out there, and most importantly, have fun making Art.

OxTrail is Oxford’s first ever art sculpture trail, in aid of Sobell House Hospice, and will take over the city from 06 July 2024 for 8 weeks. 31 life-sized oxen will each be designed by a talented artist, while 107 mini oxen will be lovingly decorated by local schools and youth groups.

Once the trail is over, the life-sized oxen will be herded together for a final time and auctioned off to graze in their forever homes.

For more information, visit: oxtrail2024.co.uk