Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Chrysohoidis.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in NYC. Art has always been an integral part of my life as I grew up surrounded by it. Both sides of my family are artists. On my mother’s side, were the weavers and on my father’s side, the painters. As a little girl, I remember expressing myself through painting and embroidery. My mother knew I’d grow up to be an artist when she caught me painting on my bedroom wall when I was 4 and has supported and encouraged me since then.
I was a weaver for 23 years, dyeing the yarn and using various dyeing techniques. After I would weave my fabric, I would further embellish it with freehand painting, embroidery and beadwork. Some pieces would take months to complete but I loved pushing the limits and constantly challenging myself. I was so obsessed with my art I didn’t know how to stop. I was and still am a prolific artist. I eventually developed carpal tunnel syndrome and had to move on to something less intense, so I studied the Asian technique of Shibori, which is a more refined and more complex way of tie-dye. I was in love, in awe! Manipulating and dyeing fabric in that way was amazing and even though each design was preplanned, the element of surprise was always there.
In 2003 I moved to Athens, Greece and with my background in textiles, I taught adult classes in silk painting, marbling and tie-dye. While preparing a new class on printing on silk, I used paper to experiment with acrylic paints, I loved the texture and brush strokes.
That was it for me! The class was canceled and I had a new inspiration and plenty of time to explore. Painting was instant gratification, I didn’t have to wait for weeks to see my end result like with weaving and Shibori. Lately, I’ve been thinking about street art and how cool it would be to paint a mural in West Hollywood! I already know in my head how this mural will look like, and the colors I would use to complement the beautiful palm trees. They are so happy looking just like my paintings.
Please tell us about your art.
I create abstract paintings on canvas or wood. Last summer I stumbled upon an inspirational figure. I have many.
This person teaches that if we feel happy and have positive thoughts, we are able to manifest the same in the physical world. It was like an epiphany for me because this is the way I have always felt, especially when I’m painting. I would be transported to a different world, in a safe world of my own with no fears or troubles, where everything was beautiful and perfect.
I was so inspired by the fact that this person’s beliefs and teachings came so close to my own nature and beliefs, that I created and I’m still working on a new series of paintings that I’ve titled “The Abundance Series”. As I work on these paintings, I find myself in perfect alignment with my inner being. I have feelings of pure joy, exhilaration, and clarity of mind.
I work on the background with acrylics in a more spontaneous way, a more playful and carefree mind, letting my subconscious take over. I can feel my heart beating fast. I feel a rush as I spray and splatter on the canvas. My hand just takes over. I don’t even feel it’s actually me painting at this stage. When this is dry, the dots and “eyes” take over.
It’s almost like the calm after the storm! I think this describes the series the best. They come out from the deepest part of my soul or inner being. I am in a deep meditative state. The energy just flows all over the canvas. This part could take many days to complete and when it does, my heart is full.
To me, art has a healing effect. I can’t imagine living without it. When I see a smile on the viewers’ face, I know I have succeeded in getting my emotion out there, that they can connect to my happiness. I want to make people happy, to forget their fears, their burdens of everyday life. And isn’t that what it’s all about?! Happiness! We were born to be happy.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
Be true to yourself. Use your own experience, intuition and feelings and let that come out in your work. Your audience will find you, just get the work out there and never give up! Don’t compare yourself to others.
Persistence is key. In my early days, I would target high-end galleries and drive them nuts, sending my slides and kept calling them until they would say yes.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
This past year, I’ve been splitting my time between Greece and LA and in November I will be opening a new studio in West Hollywood. In the meantime, you can find me on Instagram and through my website.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joannachrys.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdonherhead
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