Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Lazarus.
Hi Joy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Hi! I’m Joy. I started sewing my own clothes, dolls and purses in elementary school – preferring not to use a pattern, as the precise measurements confused me more than helped. My school elective of choice was art, and I looked forward to the days I could work on my pieces in class. In high school I became more diligent in my painting, starting out with craft paint and working my way through acrylics, watercolor and oil. In my senior year of high school I knew I wanted to incorporate art into my college studies, so I chose a university where I could double major. In college my professors introduced me to new methods and materials, specifically focusing on color theory and the preparation required for painting on wood, and I have been professionally painting ever since.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I try to paint as much and as often as I can; however, to pay the bills I usually only paint in the evenings after work. This limited window to work on my passion is hindered by the craft itself as some painting sessions are more fruitful than others. One night the progress I make on a painting is clear but the struggle to get there can leave me frayed…other nights painting just flows smoothly from my brush and I feel relaxed and more like myself, but the progress may not be as substantial. Despite these hurdles, I still feel most at ease when I am working on my artwork.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an artist and writer with a love of the unusual and simplistic, who specializes in oil painting. My subjects tend to vary, but I have experience in the classics like still-lifes, portraits and landscapes. I am most known for my paintings of string.
My work is inspired by the string theory, which acknowledges that all things (circumstances, events, and relationships) are tied together. Symbolically, string has a lot of potentials. And “string” as a thing is very compelling on its own. For instance, length of string can represent the twists and turns of life, with unexpected surprises and knots in between. While delicate, string is also complex and strong.
Although not all of my work depicts string, I weave the motif throughout my pieces, some paintings more literal than not. My art shows that I am especially interested in symmetry, nature and line. My work tends to be quiet and soft-spoken, similar to my own voice and personality.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m accepting commissions and hope to sell my work at local markets and shops. Some of my favorite pieces I’ve painted have been special requests from friends and family, such as animal portraits, or favorite food items.
If you’d like to commission a piece please reach out to me on my Instagram @joylazarusart.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joylazarus.com
- Instagram: @joylazarusart
