We recently connected with Joanne Kells and have shared our conversation below.

Joanne, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Actually I am in the midst of the most meaningful project this year. I am dedicating the entire year to the series Im working on called “Precious Time.”
I am launching the collection next week and will be adding pieces to it all year.
Currently I have 13 finished pieces, along with 4 limited edition prints and small journals as well.

I am sending you a link that I have available only for my email list and the password is “Exclusive”

https://www.artworkarchive.com/rooms/joanne-kells-chalmers/b85314

I have chosen “Connect” as my word of the year and created a symbol that appears in every painting of this series. This is to tie them together and let other women know that there is a connection among us. We are not alone in our thoughts, feelings, and struggles.

Each piece in the series has a word that describes the feeling associated with the woman in the painting. I believe that as women, we have all been there. I know I have. At times in my life, I have felt less than and very alone in the things I went through in the past.

I have been contemplating this deeply in the past year or so and thinking about how I could connect with other women who feel the same way. As women, we need to learn how to accept and uplift each other.

I believe that art has the power to change people. It can give hope and change attitudes.

Joanne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Joanne Kells, a professional artist from Napanee, Ontario, Canada who has been captivated by the world of art since a young age. My grandmother, who was also an artist, was my earliest inspiration and encouraged me to nurture my creative spirit.

Over the years, I have studied with some of the most talented artists in Ontario, refining my techniques and gaining invaluable insights. In 2019, I committed up to 30 hours a week to complete an online painting course, and when the pandemic hit, I was able to devote even more time to my craft. This dedicated time allowed me to develop a strong and cohesive artistic voice.

As a painter, I work tirelessly to refine my process. I use layers, textures, mixed media, and collage techniques to define my artistic voice and to feel connected to each piece I create. For me, there is something truly organic about using my hands to shape paper, and it’s a tactile experience that comes straight from the gut.

My cozy studio floods with natural light, and large patio doors let the outside world in. Two studio cats often stretch out in a beam of sunlight, bringing a sense of calm to the space. As I create one soul-satisfying painting after another, I often listen to podcasts, music, or the uplifting sounds of birdsong, making new discoveries along the way. This is my happy place, my home, and I know my grandmother would be immensely proud of my journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As an artist, I know that this profession is not for the faint-hearted. We pour our hearts and souls into our artwork, display it publicly, and await feedback from complete strangers. Their reactions can be positive or negative, but regardless, they are valuable because they provide insight into how our work affects viewers.

Last year, I participated in a highly coveted show in Toronto, Canada, and it was an amazing experience. It solidified my confidence in my artistic direction and made me feel like I was on the right path. So this year, when I set my goals, I made sure to include that show on my list. I even submitted my application early so that I could secure a prime spot if accepted.

However, when I received the news that I did not make the cut, it was definitely a blow to my confidence. I allowed myself to feel sad for a day, but then I picked myself up and moved forward.

I am incredibly grateful to have a supportive group of female artist friends who understand the ups and downs of this creative journey. They are my biggest cheerleaders and helped me to brush off my bruised ego. With each experience, we grow and improve, and that is what makes this journey so rewarding.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Looking back, I realize that I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I have started my own businesses a few times and have always done well working for myself. Throughout my life, I have been an avid reader of self-improvement books, and although I may not remember every detail, bits and pieces of each one have stuck with me.

One of my all-time favorites is “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. Although some of the material may be outdated, the principles outlined in the book still hold true today. Another book that has had a profound impact on me is “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. The idea of ideas flying through the air and the importance of acting on them quickly before they move on to someone else has stayed with me long after reading the book. For a quick dose of inspiration, I love reading “Steal Like An Artist” by Austin Kleon.

Currently, I am diving into “Building a Story Brand” by Donald Miller to further develop my business skills. To unwind before bed, I love reading fiction. Additionally, I find great inspiration and motivation from podcasts such as “Creative Genius” by Kate Shepherd and talks by Mel Robbins.

I believe that there is always something new to learn, and I approach each book or podcast with the mentality that if I can take away even just one small thing, it will have helped me in some way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jkellsart.com/
• Instagram: @joannekellsart
• Linkedin: Joanne Kells Chalmers-Artist

Image Credits
Joanne Kells