Artist Joyce Stephen utilized art as a form of escape for much of her adult life, relying on art in many different mediums to recenter herself as she juggled her roles as a busy mom and corporate Information Technology expert. Upon retirement, Stephen found herself with more time on her hands to devote to her artistic creations. “With my years of computer background, I originally thought digital art would satisfy my need for creativity,” Stephen explains, “but sitting in front of a computer wasn’t going to work any longer. There is nothing as satisfying as getting your hands and mind involved in your art.”

Describing her painting process as “intuitive,” Stephen works primarily with acrylics, which offer her the flow and freedom required for her style. She explains, “Often the only planned component of my artwork is the color palette. From there – everything is intuitive expression. The end result is a burst of color and motion.” Sometimes, bits of found objects, book pages, house plans, love letters, sheet music, sewing patterns and hand-made papers find their way into Stephens work, creating a multi-dimensional mixed media piece that challenges the view to draw on their own memories and nostalgic sensibilities.

Stephen describes her inspiration stating that, “like most artists, I am very visual, getting my Inspiration from nature, travel, and memories as well as images from my past. I get inspired by rock formations, old peeling walls, beautiful gardens, architecture, old rusty objects, and of course the hugs and giggles of my grandchildren. Everyday sights and objects become abstracted and exaggerated adding to the final complex theme.”

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