Artist in conversation: Joy Howley
“ you can take control of your life and live it for you - no matter when or what circumstances you start from ”
As a contemporary artist, Joy Howley's creations centre around female subjects, portraying moments of joy, freedom, and the assertion of space. Her artistry embodies a fusion of beauty and empowerment, where strong, abstract brushstrokes and a signature colour palette in oil paint bring her studies to life.
Her series ‘Ordinary Moments’ draws inspiration from the vibrancy of pop-art, rendering seemingly everyday items into pieces that celebrate the ordinary through colour and a keen eye for utilising light and shadow.
Blurring the line between abstraction and realism, Joy's pieces captivate with their portrayal of female figures as both symbols of confidence and stunning beauty, drawing the viewer into a world where art becomes a visual exploration of empowerment and liberation.
‘Waiting for the Train’, Oil on Canvas, 24x24in
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
Growing up in an artistic household and having painted since before I could walk, becoming an artist feels as though it had a sense of inevitability in my life. I have always been drawn to pieces which blur the lines of abstraction and realism, and bright, pop-art colours are a defining factor of each piece as I like my art to create an eye-catching ‘stop and stare’ moment. I’ve been inspired by the likes of Andy Warhol and Mark Maggiori: artists who, while their styles are incredibly different to each other, both bring a sense of joy and freedom to the viewer of their work. A sense I hope to replicate in each of my own pieces.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
My work centres around female subjects primarily, and shares women indulging in a sense of freedom, empowerment and ‘this is who I am’ confidence. I have recently started introducing cowgirl motifs within my pieces as a symbol of independence and adventure - and reconnection to the life only you choose to live. The cowgirl, to me, symbolises these themes in so many forms. They are a symbol of the strength of women, breaking the norm through their own inner confidence.
What drew you to focus on female subjects in your art, and how do you see them embodying moments of joy, freedom, and the act of taking up space?
Women as a subject have always fascinated me due to their beauty in so many varied forms. My pieces are not only about showcasing the art form that is a woman, but also sharing them in a way that is self-empowering and joyful. They are not afraid to take up space: each piece celebrates women who live with an inner confidence that spills out of their pose and directly into the eyes of the viewer.
‘The Cowgirl’, Oil and Acrylic on Canvas, 75x75in
Could you share a specific piece that holds personal significance for you, and walk us through the narrative or inspiration behind it?
One of my current favourite pieces is ‘Waiting For The Bus’ - a portrait of a woman waiting for the bus from the side on. She sits with quiet confidence, head docked, not shying away from the viewer but not deeming them a look in the eye. While most women are shoved into the box of ‘people-pleasing’ from a very young age, this one has broken the mould. She is waiting for the bus - and she just is.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
I love to connect with artists over social media. Both Instagram & TikTok are platforms that have opened up the previously elusive art world, introducing so many of us to artists with real talent but who would otherwise not have been celebrated because they didn’t have what was seen as the ‘right credentials’. It’s an incredible world to be living in: one where we can view beautiful art at any moment of the day, wherever we are.
‘Bend Over Backwards’, Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
After studying at the University of the Arts London I learnt to have a thick skin when it comes to artistic feedback, and to see it from a neutral perspective as opposed to taking each comment personally. I tend to enjoy feedback from others with my artwork as it gives a completely new perspective on each piece - and a lot of the time, there is wisdom within the comments. However, when feedback is given I do sit with it for a few days before taking it to heart. If the comment doesn’t resonate with me truly, I cannot include it in my work. At the end of the day, everyone will always have an opinion, myself included, and while some may think my own opinion on a piece is wrong - it wouldn’t be my own piece if it was ‘right’ for everyone other than myself.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Experimentation! Artist blocks have a sense of inevitability about them, but experimentation has always been the best option when I start to feel stagnant. I’m lucky enough to have a small studio to work from, and I use this space to experiment constantly: pushing styles, trying new subject matters and generally just having fun again. It is easy for art to begin to feel like a chore when you have deadlines, but painting should be a joyful experience and I find my best work flows through me when I create from a fun, messy, joyful state.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am thrilled to be exhibiting my artwork with The Holy Art Gallery. It will be so exciting to see the piece on the wall with so many creative, talented artists and I cannot wait to see what others have created and to leave feeling so inspired.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
The next aim is to work with a gallery on a solo show surrounding my Cowgirls. I’d also love to work on commissions and collaborations with interior designers and decorators - to see the Cowgirls displayed in a large, open-plan home would be a dream. Further than that, I am working on my exposure online to make my art style a signature, recognisable one: and to show that you can take control of your life and live it for you no matter when or what circumstances you start from. It’s the stuff of magic.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
Cliché as it is, I do tend to lean towards needing a feeling of ‘joy’ when I enter the studio. I find that my best work is produced when I am relaxed, happy and excited to create - and with that, my pieces evoke a similar response from the viewer. My use of a fluorescent red background on each piece is to signify this joy: it spills through the subject, and brightens up any room that falls upon.
‘Little Black Dress 1’, Oil on Canvas