Hi, I’m Jules and I am an artist, teacher and designer from a little rural beachside town in Australia. I run my own art school in which I facilitate workshops, events and retreats for adults, children and people with disabilities. There isn’t a lot of exciting, diverse or cultural events in my little town so I do my best to offer my community one outrageous and inspiring creative gatherings!

I am fun loving and friendly, enjoy learning new things and can’t say no to an adventure but I also love my quiet time too. I love to read or listen to music.

I am passionate about art and nature. I keep fit and healthy and love nothing more than to catch the sunrise over the water in my little beach side town in Australia. I love to hike and camp out as often as possible. While I am now a full time artist I used to be a park ranger and wild-land firefighter.
I am currently training to become an arial firefighter, my physical test is just after I get home so I will be training as best I can while I am away.

I love to meet new and interesting people, learn new things and gain inspiration from their travels and their life. I make new friends and chat to strangers wherever I go! I am genuine when tell you that you are also welcome in my home if you are ever travelling to Australia.

I am respectful to anyones home that they generously open to me and grateful for the opportunity to stay with locals and enjoy a more unique travel experience.

I have couch surfed on this platform many times but I haven’t used it in a long time so I my old profile and reviews are no longer available. I currently rent my spare room in Australia out on Air bnb as well as welcome any person that needs a warm bed and cozy, safe and loving home to rest so I know how to be a courteous and respectful guest

I have been so incredibly lucky throughout my life and my travels when it comes to the kindness and generosity of strangers. I actively look for ways to ‘pay it forward’ whenever I can and want to inspire my students, especially the younger children that the world is a wonderful, magical place where anything can happen if you are open, curious and kind! I have told them that I will be exchanging art for couches throughout France and Spain and I can’t wait to tell them how wonderful and welcoming everyone has been!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Because people are brilliant and good and strange and lovely!

Interests

I am an ex-park ranger so I am very passionate about the outdoors, nature and conservation! During this job I did a lot of physical work like using chainsaws, building trails in the rainforest and fighting fires. I loved every second!

I am now working for myself as a professional artist (oil painter), designer and hat-maker (Beltera) and teacher for my own art school and high is called Aphrodite Art School.

I know it sounds like a lot! But I love it all

• thrifting
• painting
• live music
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• scuba diving
• snorkeling
• sailing
• beaches
• travel
• art
• galleries
• conservation
• weightlifting

Music, Movies, and Books

I love to read and have a varied taste in books.however I read far too many self development books so am always looking for recommendations for a great novel that I can sink my teeth into. I usually have a fiction, non-fiction and a book of poetry on the go.

I enjoy acoustic, blues and folk when I’m relaxing. Upbeat fun music when I need to get things done and broody and depressive blues/roots when I’m painting 😅

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have volunteered working with rhinos in South Africa! Absolutely amazing experience that I will never forget. I was lucky enough to have some Ranger connections so I was able to get involved on the ground level

Teach, Learn, Share

I am an art teacher and will have some supplies with me! I would be happy to exchange an art lesson or a sketch for your hospitality! I also love to cook!

I honestly love to learn anything new. I love to listen to people that are passionate about and focussed on a specific craft/art-form or specialty. I’ll pour a glass of wine and you can tell me all about it!

What I Can Share with Hosts

As a gift for each host, I love to create a small painting or work of art for them to keep. Sometimes it is a still life in their home, or it could be a little moment that I capture in their town. I carry my pencils and journal with me and often some paint as well.

I am also an embroidery artist, people sometimes love to have small details embroidered into a piece of clothing. If I have my embroidery supplies with me, I would be happy to oblige ❤️

Countries I’ve Visited

Fiji, Indonesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia