We recently connected with Joanna Beckett and have shared our conversation below.

Joanna , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

No. Had my creative process begun earlier or later, my approach to it would have evolved differently. It wouldn’t necessarily be better or worse. The energy of my work would have mirrored a version of myself from another juncture. You would see different paintings.

I trust that my creative process has started at the moment of my readiness. The timing aligned with my life experiences and maturity, contributing depth and authenticity to my work. Each encounter, triumph and challenge are manifested in my paintings. Each creative act serves as a snapshot or imprint of a specific moment within my creative journey. And so, my creative process becomes a dynamic reflection of the evolving aspects of my identity. Each painting is a piece of myself at different junctures.

I find solace in the belief that every stroke, every thought, and every creation is a testament to a journey that began precisely when I was ready to fully embrace the power of artistic exploration.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a painter living and working in Venice, California. My life has taken a non-linear path, and deep down, I like to think that every twist and turn has played a role in shaping the person I am today—a version that aligns with who I was meant to become.

In a nutshell, I was born and grew up in Poland. Despite my passion for the arts I was told to focus on ‘a real career’. Since Art was not an option, I chose Psychology.

In my early twenties I moved to London, UK where I continued my studies, earned another Master’s Degree and eventually a Doctorate in Psychology. My passion for art resurfaced at the peak of my career. It became my refuge and the means through which I processed the intricacies of the human condition. I remember the day when on my way home from work, I walked into the art shop. The surge of energy and inspiration went straight through me. It was electrifying. I set up an easel in the corner of our living room and sat in front of the blank canvas. I did not know what to do. I surrendered myself to a force beyond my understanding.

A few years later my husband and I moved to LA, where my journey as a full time artist truly began. It was a tough call but I did have to follow my heart or my gut. It was not a whisper or a subtle nudge but an unequivocal scream that resonated within. This transition wasn’t an easy one. I was no longer in a therapy room with a pen and a pad, and a client. I was in a studio with a brush and a loud internal dialogue between various aspects of self. But somehow both worlds, that of Psychology and Art merged finding expression and manifestation on the canvas. It’s been a journey. It still is.

What sets me apart from other contemporary abstract painters? Each of us carries a unique story, draws inspiration from diverse sources, and develops an individual artistic voice. Mine is a blend of my personal and professional experiences, evolving organically. Unapologetically, I stay true to the essence of who I am. I cannot unlearn what I’ve learnt as a psychologist, and I take pride in incorporating it into my paintings. I do believe that I would not have become an artist if I had not been a psychologist first. There is a fine line between those two worlds. In fact, one doesn’t exist without the other. These are two sides of the same coin. Various art movements have drawn inspiration from and incorporated psychological theories as foundational elements. And I’m humbled and grateful to continue doing it.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Great question! My goal is to create paintings that are both bold and contemplative, sparking a dialogue about our shared experiences, eliciting emotions, and igniting reflections. My intention is to take viewers on a journey through their own projections and interpretations; and ultimately – to heal and become one for a split second.

To me, making art is a spiritual act of being in flow, of transcending the known and tapping into the collective subconscious that is then translated into a visual language. This is the meaning that I’ve assigned to the creative journey the very same way I attach meaning to life. I feel that we can only truly evolve and become whole if our actions are guided by meaningful purpose and values. In my case, the creative process is interwoven into the very fabric of my life.

In practical terms, I attempt to create artwork that vibrates with a specific energy, aiming to resonate with viewers on a deeper level the way music or the experience of nature does. I keep challenging myself and refining, evolving my artistic vocabulary so that the individual elements build a compelling and charged painting. With each stroke, color choice, composition, texture I am committed to showing up as an artist expressing the way I see our world. Each painting is an invitation to take part in a tactile, visual and thought-provoking narrative about the shared aspects of the human condition.

I guess my artistic mission is shaped by a blend of existential reflections about meaning and authenticity, identity and self-definition. Also, having fun is an essential element of my creative process. It’s a necessity.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Two things. The creative process itself and the connection. The artistic process isn’t always pleasant; it can be frustrating. It’s like waiting for a wave. There are moments when the creative tide seems calm, and no waves break the surface. However, there’s always just enough joy in the journey that compels me to return to it. When the wave arrives, I dive in. A surge of energy and excitement goes through me. I’m in flow. That’s the reward.

The fact I can express my emotions and thoughts; give voice to the deepest part of myself adds yet another fulfilling dimension to the process. No painting is the same. Each one is unique. Each one is a result of pushing my own boundaries. With challenge comes the reward. Being an artist means practicing freedom of expression. The experience is both liberating and healing.

Seeing my artwork resonate with others and knowing it has the power to evoke emotions or provoke thoughts makes the entire process so very special. It is a testament to our shared human experience. It brings a sense of connection, fosters meaningful dialogues; it’s transcendental. Being an active agent in that discourse is a privilege I cherish the most.

Also, being an artist is not limited to the time spent in the studio; it’s a mindset and unique approach to life that values creativity, exploration, and the pursuit of individual expression. It does serve my soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.joannabeckettart.com
• Instagram: @joanna.beckett.art

Image Credits
First photo (Beckett1): Jeffrey Sklan