A coffee with Joy

Hi Joy, welcome to the journal. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Thanks for inviting me into your world! I’m Joy. I am an abstract artist and the founder of a new project - Pocket Art. On top of running my creative practices, my husband and I have two daughters. We live on Vancouver Island, and you can find us either in the city at my studio, renovating our 1920s vintage farmhouse, or at the ocean. 

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? How did your art journey begin?

I grew up just outside Vancouver BC, before moving to Vancouver Island 2 years ago. (Our best decision!) 

I have been making art since I was young. I was always creating with my hands and finding ways to use materials and mediums I was inspired by. Think paper and pens, fabric, photography etc. I fell in love with abstract painting in my second year of art school and have never looked back.

What inspired you to start Pocket Art? Please tell us more about it!

After 10+ years of selling my abstract work, I felt a draw back to some of my early day collectors and moments. I am so grateful to have my abstract paintings around the world and in so many beautiful luxury homes, but with that comes a lack of accessibility. Financially, but also, I can only make so many paintings. In my early days of painting, I used to create tiny “pocket-sized” art pieces that I would sell at markets or to friends and family, and it would fund my next art supplies runs. They were accessible, meaningful, and had so much connection built around them. I wanted to create something similar with pocket art. Accessible art for everyone. $12 a month gets you an art print in the mail every month alongside a letter from the artist featured. I have expanded from just sharing my work to now including new artists every month!! This project is still fairly new! We launched July 2025 and we are so grateful for how far we have come!

What is your main source of inspiration for your art?

The outside world will always be my inspiration. Time spent in nature. Every day I take time to be outside, I notice more beauty, I have more time to think, to feel present, etc. This experience comes back into my art every time. Additionally, my work is an extension of my inner-world. As an artist, my experience in this world: my thoughts, my dreams, my fears all show up in the studio and on my canvas.

What is one thing nobody would expect about you?

I trained in martial arts for 10 years in my early childhood/teen years. It was such a foundation for my life and a huge reason I have the determination and follow-through that I have in my adult life. Forever grateful for that practice.

What does a day off look like for you?

My days off are filled with motherhood - a table full of crafts, writing in my journal while my girlies play, long walks, connecting with friends over dinner, and sneaking off for a quick coffee and knit session. I have just taken up knitting, so that hobby comes with me everywhere these days.

In true Lepelclub Journal fashion, how do you enjoy your coffee?

This is the year I primarily switched my coffee to matcha, but nothing tastes better than a little cortado or a black americano. I guess I just love it all.