Joy Emmanuel

I was born in Pensacola, FL into a family of photographers and entertainers. My father was a vaudeville dancer and one of the first school photographers in America. I was a hands on photographic artist (before Photoshop) for 20 years at my family’s studio and in 2005 took my first art class.

My art is my passion…it comes from my heart and soul…I try to step out of the way and let it happen…..that’s when my best work shows up.

I have developed an innovative style that blends realism with abstract expressionism. I start with color, after that I have no preconceived notion about how a finished piece will look. When the piece is finished…my heart jumps and I do my “Joy Dance”!

My goal is to experience joy in what I do each day and to help others do the same. My hope is to trigger an emotion for the viewer to connect to the painting. Each one of my works has a story or a surprise hidden in the painting for the viewer.

My mediums of choice: acrylic; encaustic; oil; watercolor; paper; everyday objects; organic objects; trash; dirt…..you get the idea I will use just about anything to make art.

My experiences that have made me who I am: tap dancing with my Dad, family play days at the beach, old friends and new possibilities, traveling the world, incredible art teachers (you know who you are), and the most important job….being a Mom to four beautiful daughters.

Awards: Kindergarten Queen: a long time ago…, It’s About Time Student Art Shows 2006 & 2007 (Honorable Mention), Interstate Fair Art Exhibition 2008 (Award of Merit), and the First City Juried Art Show 2011.

My inspiration comes from everything and everybody around me. My desire is to be open to express the wonder of being alive and awake!

Enjoy…..

Blue Morning Gallery