The Artist’s Joy pre-order bonuses are here!
Introducing The Artist's Joy: Digital Art Collection: We held a call to action within our incredible Artists for Joy community, inviting artists to contribute their work in response to the themes explored in The Artist's Joy. The result? A breathtaking collection of exclusive artwork, each piece a unique expression of joy created by a fellow community member!
We've chosen four to offer as a downloadable gift for ordering the book. Read more about these works of art and the artists who made them. Then, click on the images below to download high-res images. Print and frame, use them as your phone lock screen, share them on social media (tag us @artistsforjoy).
You can check out all the amazing submissions here in the Joy Gallery!
May they inspire you to create with joy!
*Click each image to download a high res image*
Inner Joy by Kristin Vanderlip
"Inner Joy" is a 4 x 4-inch oil pastel painting of a colorful horizon representing the inner artist's bright, bold joy. This piece is inspired by the recovery of the untamed, unabashed joy and adventure I felt as a child (whose favorite color was (and still is) "rainbow").
About the Artist:
I am an oil pastel artist, a writer, and the founder of the Pen & Mend Collective. I believe that creativity is an invitation to connect with and become a conduit of Hope in a hurting world. My abstract oil pastel mini paintings utilize color to express and evoke emotional experiences. I'm drawn toward colorful abstract horizons and landscapes that offer contemplative spaces for connecting with different emotions and seasons of life. My hope is that my art will speak peace and hope into your space and life.
IG: @kristinvanderlip
Feast of Creativity by Jenny Gallo
Surrounded by whimsical pieces of tapas, the phrase 'creativity is tapas, not pie' is joyfully depicted in vibrant colors, capturing the essence of savoring life's diverse creative moments. This artwork embodies the spirit of 'A Feast of Creativity,' inviting us to relish each small, satisfying endeavor on our artistic journey.
In the artful dance of life, creativity is often seen as a grand feast, a pie to be devoured whole. Yet, Merideth Hite Estevez offers a different view—seeing creativity as tapas, not pie. Tapas, like the small savory dishes of Spanish cuisine, invite us to enjoy and appreciate diverse flavors one bite at a time, nurturing our artistic souls. Visualizing creativity as tapas rather than a whole pie shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance. Each small act of creation is a complete and satisfying experience, not just a slice of a larger whole. This view fosters an environment where we are more likely to feel enriched and less pressured, where we can enjoy the process without the rush.
About the Artist:
At Carrot Top Studio, my creative path has surprisingly evolved from designing clergy stoles to encompassing stationery, tea towels, and art licensing. The approach of working slowly, in small bites, has not only shaped my creative business but has also allowed for immense joy and gratitude at every step of the journey. May this illustration of tapas remind you to savor the many flavors of creativity, be open to the joy of the little things, and choose gratitude for every small bite that fuels the journey.
Joy Comes to Life by Elmer Perry
In the introduction, you wrote about joy being a dusty old library. I was inspired by this image your words drew in my mind. I pictured the old library, the notes dancing off the page, and a ballerina springing from the book.
About the Artist:
Elmer is a multi-passionate artist who lives and creates in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. His current passion is book binding journals and considers a project successful when the book opens when he has finished. Painting is his life-blood. Paint can turn an ordinary day into a great day and a bad day into a good day. Elmer believes that all creative work feeds other creative work. He is lost without, at least, paper and pencil or pen.
Instragram: @elmer.perry.jr
Discovering Joy in the cracks (poem print) by Lesley Rogers Hobbs
"Discovering joy in the cracks" is a poem about finding my way back to a long-held dream of being a writer. A dream I postponed for decades while raising a family and being "busy."
About the Artist:
I am an Irish poet/writer/artist currently living on Puget Sound with my husband and dog, Maggie. Other than writing and art, I enjoy gardening, yoga-ing, and being with our adult kidlets and grandchildren. I published my first piece of fiction in an Irish newspaper when I was fourteen and for a brief moment, believed I might have what it takes to become a writer; an unsupportive parent and thoughtless teachers quickly rid me of any writing dreams I may have harbored. Over the years, I blogged about yoga, health and travel but was ready for something that scared the bejeezus out of me! With stomach lurching, I wrote my first three poems and applied to an advanced poetry workshop; I was thrilled to be selected. In the two years since, I have discovered new-to-me poets who are changing my world – Pádraig Ó Tuama, Andrea Gibson, Jericho Brown, Ada Limón. I formed a poet group from that first workshop and we meet weekly; together we have written countless poems, attended AWP23 and pushed each other beyond our comfort zones. They encouraged me to submit which has led to publication in Hyacinth, Querencia Press, Tiny Spoon, Open Door, and Cirque among others. I discovered a long-buried passion and spend many hours each week reading, noodling and writing poetry. I have learned that my style is spare and lyrical, emotive and vulnerable. I am currently working on a hybrid (poetry, essay and art) memoir of trauma, disability and chronic illness.
IG: @opentoabundance