Local artist profile: Joybells

THIS week we chat with local artist and co-founder of the Bendigo Art Society, Joybells.

 

What initially motivated you to become an artist?

As long as I can remember I have had a huge appreciation for the visual and a love to create. It doesn’t matter what I create, I just love making things with my hands and seeing something evolve through the process. Beauty in things attracts me and I set about to achieve this in my creations.

I remember as a child musing over my mother’s postcards of Albert Namatjira. As I got older, I loved looking at the black ink outline and soft watercolour of Japanese woodblock prints.

I also love learning new things. In my adult years I’ve enjoyed researching the history of art practices and love keeping lost ones alive. It seems when I have developed something to the skill level I am happy with I move on to the next adventure.

 

Are there any particular themes you like to feature in your work?

In the past I have been all about variety and experimentation, so many are surprised when they visit my studio to hear that all the artwork is mine because there are so many styles and mediums.

I have enjoyed traditional still life, portraits and plein air or painting outdoors, however being put in the position in 2020 to promote myself as an artist, I began to think what is it that I really, really love?

What ‘stops’ me? I have found it to be skies and birds, so I have begun to work more in this area and want to achieve a level I am happy with.

 

Which other artists inspire you and why?

Originally it was the linework and painting of the master Rembrandt, and the light of Streeton’s work and the Heidelberg school, because I was introduced to this first. I loved it.

I loved Reginald Sturgess’ soft watercolours, but I also loved the design, clean shapes and stylised nature of art deco/art nouveau and the work of Gustav Klimt. It made me want to be an interior designer and I did enjoy very much working for one or two years doing artist impression drawings.

My favourite living artist would be Brian Nunan, almost 90, of Castlemaine, who has inspired me endlessly over many, many years.

 

How can people check out/purchase your work?

I have an additional creative studio space called Joybells One of a Kind at the Historic Bendigo Pottery where I am open to the public Thursday to Saturday or any time by appointment.

I am often found working Monday and Tuesday on commissions, and it has been absolutely amazing to see regional Victorian and Melbourne people wanting to support the local artisan. In fact, 2020 was my best year of my own art sales in 30 years.

 

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of making a go of the artistic life?

I would say practice, practice, practice, find what you love and then spend as much time on your business/marketing as you do on experimenting/creating and you will do well. Don’t worry about the ‘selling’, just learn to connect with people and you will sell. Get a mentor, someone who is successful in both areas, and make sure you are enjoying what you are doing. That’s when you will do your best work.