Joy Nutt

About the Artist

Joy Nutt was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Maryland and Colorado. She is a first generation Trinidadian American.  Joy attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. and graduated with a degree in Electronic Studio Art. The traditional studio courses were transformative to her practice and encouraged a love for craft and exploration. Joy is a veteran art teacher and enjoys helping students discover their artistic voice. She started her personal art practice during the pandemic and founded JN Studio Art through portrait commissions and then pivoted to vibrant abstract paintings. She uses found objects from her home environment to create delightful layers of pattern and texture. Joy’s art has been featured at the National Institute of Health and Children’s National Research Institute.  

Artist's Statement

My paintings are a beautiful and vibrant collision of interests. Complex abstract patterns inspired by years of artistic interests such as color theory, drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography come together in a variety of visual combinations. I aim to create multi-layered pieces that are fun to look at and invite the viewer on a journey around the canvas. As an artist, I am aware of textures, colors, and shapes everywhere that I go and I often use unusual and ordinary found objects as stamps. Each abstract painting starts with large areas of color that blend into each other across the entire surface. I then layer complementary and analogous colors to create contrast and harmony. Small to medium shapes are painted next and begin to establish a sense of movement. The black outline separates sections and further emphasizes the visual path around the canvas. Found objects such as cookie cutters, cardboard scraps, bubble wrap, and bottle caps are used to add patterns and texture. Paint markers bring in detailed line work, mark making, and outlining. Finally, the implied gold stitching within the black lines completes the piece.  Each geometric quilt-inspired piece starts with solid shapes of color to establish the desired block pattern. I then use found objects and paint markers to create the pattern of each section of “fabric”. I ensure that the edges of each design come together neatly to mimic the look and feel of two fabrics sewn together. I often do not start with a pattern in mind and let the color scheme dictate the outcome. This intuitive and instinctive process leads to a rich visual vocabulary across each painting. I think of each section as a small piece of a larger roll of fabric that a seamstress would actually use to create a garment. I believe that fabrics are works of art all by themselves and painted quilt designs are a way to celebrate that artistry.   My desire is for anyone that views my pieces to get lost in the layered details, returning over and over to find a new perspective, ask questions, and walk away with a sense of satisfaction after feasting on color, pattern, and texture.