“Great things are done when men and mountains meet,” wrote William Blake. Julia Scheuer brings this sentiment to life with her extraordinary mountain-inspired works, combining duct tape and acrylic paint to create striking, emotive landscapes.

Julia’s work resonates deeply with the local ethos. It will be showcased at the Gstaad flower shop from 27 February to 2 March. Julia is partnering with Cura Children’s Foundation, a charitable foundation founded by individuals who grew up in the mountains. The foundation uses Julia's art to further its mission of giving back to mountain communities.

I had the privilege of speaking with Julia to understand her creative process and unique style better.

Your art combines expression with duct tape. How did you develop this innovative technique?
While teaching art lessons to my son’s friends, one of them just finished a wallet made from duct tape. At the time, I was struggling to finish a large-scale portrait. I thought it needed something “crazy” to contrast my paint strokes, and here it was—duct tape!!

You’ve participated in initiatives like the Art Walk, which supports the Coalition for the Homeless. What motivates you to align your work with charitable causes and this upcoming work with Cura?
Art is supposed to evoke feelings in the viewer and spark conversation about our shared humanity. Foundations like Art Walk or Cura are dedicated to upholding this ideal. The ability to use my art to make a positive impact is both humbling and deeply fulfilling.

Can you walk us through your creative process?
My mentor (Euginio Cuttica) advised me to paint only motifs I connect deeply with. I always feel like my best self in the mountains. The large scale was natural, and the technique is like my personality: spontaneous, fast, and diligent. The texture is an interplay of purposeful uncoordinated splashes of paint, movement, and wiping and drying at the right time (I don’t sketch). A lot comes out intuitively from images that are stored in my memory. 

If you could only paint with one material for the rest of your life—not using duct tape or acrylic paint—which would you choose, and how would your art change?
I love that question; I would probably use mud, raw dirt, charcoal, and pigments from stones/flowers and highlight with pieces of hemp-like fabric or animal skin. It could turn out more sculptural, like a relief.

As I stand before Julia’s art, it feels like a scenic hike—without the sore legs. Her painting transported me back to childhood, running across the Alps, pretending to be Heidi or in The Sound of Music. It feels more than a visual experience; her work leaves an imprint and reconnects me to my roots. It speaks differently to everyone—whether conjuring nature’s beauty, a love for hikes, or her bold materials. Julia’s art reminds me that beauty isn’t just seen—it’s felt.

"My goal is to create a visual dialogue - feeling the emotion of the piece seeing it through my artistic perspective."
 
What truly sets Julia apart is her inventive use of duct tape and paint and her commitment to using her art for a greater purpose. Her upcoming exhibition at the Gstaad Flower Shop showcases her unique talent and supports a significant cause—the Cura Children’s Foundation. This partnership specifically helps finance the Umbrella Project, a new initiative that is very close to the hearts of the foundation’s founders, Caroline and Carina.

This umbrella concept will support several smaller projects to provide individualised direct assistance to children with disabilities and those in need across Switzerland. By purchasing a piece of Julia's art, customers contribute not only to the aesthetics of their homes but also to this vital charity that promotes the well-being of children through targeted and compassionate programmes.

Lilly Jones
 

⇒ Check out Julia's Instagram and website for more insights into her work and initiatives.
Instagram 

⇒ Follow Cura Children’s Foundation’s journey on their Instagram and website as well:
Instagram 
Website: curachildrensfoundation.org