The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2022 - Issue 31

biteartistprofile paintings showcasing relaxation, intimacy, femininity, self-awareness and her relationship with nature immedi- ately demand your attention. “I want the viewer to notice a simple reason to be happy, feel the warm sunlight on their skin, smell the sweet fragrance of the flowers and admire the beauty and vibrant colours of life.” As such, the artist is drawn to colours, emotions, atmosphere and light. Her paintings ‘Nightlife’ and ‘I See You’ are inspired by people she met in her neighbourhood. "Since the pandem- ic, I started to work on self-portraits and portraits of my partner, and isolation from other people made it a natural decision. I continue to find inspiration within my flat stu- dio and my relationship with my husband and two lovely cats.” You may notice one or two of her furry friends in the ‘Blue Velvet’ and ‘Family’ paintings. The ‘My Paradise’ series explores balance and peace and focuses on self-awareness, ease, leisure and meditation. “I feel my paintings convey stillness. It’s what I am striving for in my work. A moment where the subjects are simply being and free from responsibility. However, this sits in contrast to the vibrant, energetic colours. I want the viewer drawn in by the dynamic compositions and the colours' lure and then notice the stillness set within that.” Joanna loves the moment when she finishes a painting. “It’s gratifying, and I feel like I’ve accomplished some- thing.” The downside is having art blocks, which every art- ist experiences during their career. “When I struggle with a painting, I have to take one or two days off before I can return to work on it,” she admitted. "I find it hard to leave an unfinished piece and move forward with the next paint- ing, and I prefer to figure out the problem and ensure I am happy with the final result.” She believes a successful artist is characterised by a unique style and consistency in art language. “Someone who cre- ates almost every day and steps up from their comfort zone.” When she’s not working and relaxing, Joanna says she becomes more self-aware of what she needs and how she feels momentarily. “I recognise there are times in the day I might prefer to sit on my balcony around my plants, stare up at the sky, or play with my cats.” The artist revealed the 'Family' painting from the ‘Intimate Times’ series of the artist and her husband relaxing on a sofa in their living room is still her favourite. It shows the couple surrounded by their two cats, plants and flowers, a painting on the wall, a multicoloured pattern rug and flip flops. “I enjoyed working on this piece from beginning to end. The composite is quite complex, and I achieved this special atmosphere of intimacy and love between two peo- ple.” As a nature lover, Joanna loves vibrant, colourful and sun- ny exotic places. “At the same time, I admire the architec- ture of big cities, busy and interesting people, and different cultures.” While there are many beautiful works by other artists she is influenced by and could admire for hours,