Fran Joy

Artist Statement: The purpose behind my work is to show the power, strength, and triumph of the human spirit. As I witness the loss of life and humanity throughout the world, I am drawn to those who believe that the power of their faith and the strength of their spirit and character are what truly matters and will make a difference in life.

In my own spiritual journey, heavy losses have made each blessing more meaningful and relative to whom I have become. In some images I have emphasized the eyes that are windows to the soul. I’m going for their essence more than their exact look. Some are powerful icons revealing the impact of their experiences, their fortitude, and vision for the future. Other images are meant to convey a message that I hope will make one stop for at least a second to experience one’s own sense of humanity and spirituality.

Some images are based on the power, energy, vibrations, and strength of the female as well as people of color in a time such as this.

Artist Bio: Fran Joy is an artist, designer, curator, and life coach currently living in Evanston. Born and raised in southern Illinois, she moved on to New Orleans and then to the greater Chicago/Evanston area. This life experience plus ten years of residence in Los Angeles and frequent visits to New York City have flavored and colored her passion as an artist.

After studying oil painting, creative writing, and drawing at Columbia College in Chicago, Joy combined her own experimentation with the impromptu training she received from independent artists whose work she admired. Joy is known for her images on social justice, women, spirit images, iconic portraits, colorful abstract landscapes, and large designer wood screens and wall mounts. Her paintings usually begin with an acrylic base on canvas or wood followed by oil pastels, which are used with various sponges for texture, blending and intensity.

Joy has exhibited at the Evanston Art Center, the Noyes Cultural Art Center, 1100 Florence Gallery, Curt’s Cafe, Open Studio Project, Garrett Theological Seminary, Artem Gallery, Danon Gallery, Lorraine Morton Civic Center, and Creative Coworking. Her works are in private collections in Evanston; Chicago; New York; Los Angeles; San Francisco; New Orleans; Philadelphia; Seattle; Centralia, Illinois; Arizona; New Mexico; Canada, and New Zealand.

Joy has coordinated various art installations throughout the greater metro area, including co-curating SOULWORKS at the Evanston Art Center, a collection of art by both renowned and emerging artists of color.

Email: fwjoy@icloud.com
Website: http://www.franjoy.com/
Instagram: @fjoy5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FJoyArt/
Shop Evanston Made: Fran Joy