We were lucky to catch up with Christie Joy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christie, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Creating new pieces keeps me up at night! I find inspiration everywhere. In my home I will look around at the color palette of a room or go into my sunroom and view the flowers through the windows and then it strikes. I really try to be present in my life. I want to soak everything in. Occasionally when I feel like my work is getting stale or predictable I will go to a museum or a simple walk with my dog. At the museum I take in art from painters before me. I will look for themes, brushstrokes and of course color. On my walks with Kyra, I observe how a tree actually looks. The limbs are not symmetrical, colors are not just green, roots are not all underground. It is all about observation. Look deeper.
This helps me to change up my style and to become more open to create. It is so easy as artists to use muscle memory to turn out work. I feel so passionately about each piece I paint that I want to be intentional with them. Keeping that in mind some pieces are just practice used to learn and grow. Others are commission and be viewed by the public.
The creative process is so personal. I have artist friends that have to be in their studio space with particular music and their favorite playlist. Others have to paint at a certain time of day. There are no rights or wrongs in the creative process. The one thing I always offer is to get out from your normal routine. That may be driving out to the country, going to the opposite side of town to shop. Visit a new office space and walk around. It is all around us if you look!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My art is inspired by color and beauty. I thought about being a minimalist a few years ago. Wearing gray, black, tan and white. It would make life easier. This was during Co-vid when everyone was shut in and re-inventing themselves. I began to equate life with darkness and being drab. I went to run errands and I had on a bright yellow dress. I had several people telling me how happy that made them feel. To see someone not in black leggings and a gray top was refreshing. Ever since then I have made it my mission to bring color and happiness to my corner of the world.
Painting in bold and vivid colors with brushstrokes you can see and paint can make you feel is glorious! My collectors say that their friends love to start conversations around my work. It is different! The tactile nature of it is fun. Texture makes it interesting. It is not just a flat canvas. This work is involved. Your mind wanders and naturally feels like you could eat the paint on some of my florals. The thick folds of the leaves that actually pop off of the canvas evoke new feelings about art. Some of my collectors were never interested in buying art. Then they enjoyed looking at my work and found it is easy. It is not pretentious. It makes you smile.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Without a doubt Self-Confidence is number 1! Art is subjective and in the eye of the beholder. Everyone does not like the same work. You have to believe and like if not love your work. Not every painting will be your favorite but you will need to feel you did a great job on it. It is extremely hard to be vulnerable enough to show off your work.
The second quality you need is very hard for introverted artists. Networking! Getting involved in your community. That may be an art league, church, business groups, rotary clubs, civic leadership, etc…. There are so many opportunities to be involved. This involvement may not be directly linked to art but you are meeting possible buyers. Many people in the groups may need artwork for businesses, homes or donations for charity. You will get your name and style out this way and find your collectors. I know it is hard but you cannot sell your art by staying at home. Even online website influencers get out.
Creating your personal style! Be true to you! Creating a style that people easily recognize is so important. You may paint similar to someone else but have that something extra that sets you apart. Develop that and perfect it! Once you do this then explore outside of your comfort zone. People will enjoy seeing how versatile you are but at the same time will still love your original style.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My work is big and bright! I have recently started working with a Dallas company that supplies art to hospitals, restaurants, business, etc…. I would love to continue on this path. I have spent many days in Drs. offices and hospitals and I can tell a lot about the quality and compassion of the center by their artwork. The centers with blank, sterile walls with just official notices means I will be processed through the system and not cared for. The centers with colorful, soothing and/or thought provoking artwork on the wall make me feel like they care and I will be taken care of. As a patient or caregiver you look at those walls for hours perhaps days at a time and it makes a difference.
Making a difference with art is why I believe I have this gift. I love seeing my work in a space that people will appreciate it. I have had people come to me saying I saw your art in a restaurant, dental office, hospital, clinic, business, etc…. and they said it immediately made them feel like they would have a positive interaction. If the institution cares about the vary walls containing their patient, customer, client then you know they are into details.
My large canvas with color, texture and brushstrokes are perfect for these spaces. I look forward to having more groups reach out to me. I can create abstracts, landscapes and of course floral scenes for their spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://christiegunterjoyart.net
- Instagram: Christie _Joy_ Art
- Facebook: Christie Joy Art
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