Artist Statement Picasso once said, "It took me years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child." As a former art teacher, my young students were always playful and fearless in their approach to their artwork. Their broad strokes and bright palettes were charged with energy and joy. Now, in my second career, I approach each canvas with that same ethos. My rich toolkit includes bold colors, simple shapes, multiple layers, and varied textures with an awareness of how these relate to one another.I grew up in Maine where the rhythmic sounds of waves and distant foghorns were part of my everyday existence. The simple beauty saturated my soul, is part of who I am, and is expressed in my artwork. With frequent return visits to Maine, as well as many inspiring trips to Italy, France and other exquisite places, I have integrated the beauty of the natural environment into my work. Rather than the traditional land or seascape, my paintings create an abstract “feeling of place". I believe place allows us to access those special feelings and memories that escape our usual awareness through art.Most recently the solitude of the pandemic provided me an opportunity to explore and surround myself with joyful abstract still-life paintings with flowers, wine and food -three of my favorite things! I felt as if we were expecting company.Working with children has allowed me to see the world through their lens. As a result, each of my pieces reflects my joyful heart and positive outlook. It gives me great fulfillment to create and share these playful works that are true to my aesthetic. Biography Joyce was raised in Portland, Maine. Settling in Fairfield County, she taught art in the Stamford and Greenwich Public Schools for over 35 years. She has studied at the Silvermine School of Art, New Canaan, CT and the Greenwich Art Society and the International School of Photography, NYC.Throughout her career she has received several awards for her paintings and street photography. Joyce has exhibited in several juried shows and most recently was awarded Best in Show at the Pequot Library in Southport, CT and the Dagny A. Haltgreen Award for oil/ acrylic at the Greenwich Art Society Show. He paintings are collected from Maine to California with five of her paintings hanging in the permanent collection at Stamford Hospital. Her work has been featured in Maine Home and Off the Wall Art Catalogue, Serendipity Magazine, Maine Art Annual Guide, and the Old Port Magazine as an emerging artist. Her painting “Afternoon Delight” was featured in architecturaldigest.com in May 2023 and recently chosen to participate in Art Miami Dec 2024. Joyce is also represented by the Portland Art Gallery, Portland, ME and is a member of the Loft Artists Association in Stamford, CT where she has her studio.