“Joanie always gets carried away,” my folks used to say when I was growing up, immersed in the world of a book or an art project or watching “Jon Gnagy Learn to Draw” on TV as a kid. I loved the flow of making things with my hands, of being in another world. And I guess, years later, I did get “carried away” as post college, I went to New York City for a two month visit and stayed for five years.
While learning to navigate the “Big Apple” and “What should I do with my life?” I took an art class, where I was introduced to the lettering arts of calligraphy and contemporary hand lettering. I was hooked! Enrolling at The Calligraphy Workshop at Parson’s School of Design, I studied with working calligraphers and lettering artists, as well as noted calligrapher, Jeanyee Wong. I loved the flow of writing, dip pen to lovely papers… making things with my hands… carried away. This was it!
Along the way, freelancing as a calligrapher and living in Seattle, I worked on many private calligraphy commissions. Being asked to design and illustrate more and more complex projects, back to school I went, to the School of Visual Concepts to study illustration and develop my skills. Some time later, I studied children’s book illustration at Pratt Fine Arts. Over time, I have also been working to develop my digital drawing skills.
These days, a main focus for me is food illustration, illustrating images of fruits and vegetables and prepared dishes, as well as plants and gardens, birds and dogs and animals integrated with hand lettering for signs, packaging, books, menus, food and wine labels, etc. In addition I offer custom smudge-proof chalk boards for cafes, farmer’s markets (or wherever) that are also water resistant for outdoor use. I am also available for private commissions, illustrated wedding calligraphy and ketubot.
In my process, I listen closely to my clients. I strive to offer clear and thoughtful communication, as well as deeply skillful work.
Feeling the meditative flow of drawing and lettering, of being deeply immersed in making things with my hands, I still appreciate being… carried away.
Thank you for visiting my website!