Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Isenbarger.
Joyce, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
After graduating from Indiana University with a BS degree in Business, I spent the next 25 years as a Navy wife. While moving around the great country of the United States and raising children, I had a diversity of professional career opportunities, including banking, a university and the high-tech industry. Upon retiring from the business world, I began to channel my creative thoughts into artistic endeavors, both in Bible classes and with my grandchildren. Crafts and painting were always my activities of choice with young people.
When my closets became full of finished acrylic art pieces on canvas, I knew it was time to turn all of this “fun” into a real hobby. I met an amazing art framer, Kari Schmidt with Cornerstone Framing & Design, and she inspired me to pursue all artistic opportunities in the local area to display and show my art. With no formal art training, I began four years ago to create art pieces, frame them and take them to shows and festivals. During these initial four years, I have had the privilege of private watercolor classes conducted by Suzanne Seiler and have taken online courses in drawing.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
The diversity of my work experiences has flowed into the expression of my creative side using various media. From acrylic on canvas, I sought further innovative style with my unique acrylic-on-glass pieces. This art form, using acrylic and often times glitter, produces pieces with great color, depth and just a hint of sparkle, depending on the available lighting. I love things of nature and their amazing vibrant and bold colors. Therefore, much of my art includes flowers, seascapes and underwater beauty using watercolor and inks. Colorful inks have recently gained my attention. The way ink flows on smooth surfaces creates amazing abstract pieces. I am also pursuing fine detailed work in pencil and black ink drawings. My diversity in various art mediums allows my pieces to blend well in any space and décor.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
There will always be a market for fine original artwork, especially for the discerning buyer of fine art. I am proud to say that my art is professionally framed with quality archival materials that will last for many years. My art is affordably priced and can appeal to many people with various decorating styles. The really fun side of showing art is selling at local art-themed venues. Attendees of these events really value taking home a beautiful piece of art created by a local artist who they have actually had the opportunity to meet. I also am privileged to help with a group of adult artists with special needs – we call this our “Special Friends” art class. This art group is taught at no charge at the Glade Cultural Art Center every first Saturday and the following Monday of each month, including artists from New Danville. Their artwork will be on display and for sale during our Christmas Extravaganza show November 30.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My art is currently on display in a gallery in downtown Conroe, on the first-floor level of the Conroe Central Market Antique Mall. I also participate in local festivals, shows and juried opportunities, including Galveston, Conroe, Splendora Gardens and College Station. Our 4th Annual Fine Art Christmas Extravaganza this year will be at the Glade Cultural Center in The Woodlands. The show opens Friday, November 30 at 10:00 am with the opening reception from 5:00-9:00 pm. The public is invited to come and enjoy an evening of fine art, music and dessert.
Contact Info:
- Address: Montgomery, Texas
- Email: joyceisenbarger@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/joyceisenbargerart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/artbyjoyceisenbarger
Image Credit:
Joyce Isenbarger
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