Artist Profile: Joanell Connolly

Joanell Connolly

Huntington Beach, CA

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have?  The wedding ceremony was the theme that came to mind.

2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects. I am currently  working with Quilts Of Valor.  I make the quilt top, provide the batting and backing, binding and a presentation bag. I have been teamed with a long arm quilter who puts it together.  These quilts are presented to wounded military persons.

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  yes/no  name/where  what is the best part of being part of an art group? Yes, I belong to 2 groups.  I meet the first Friday of each month with a small group.  We bring in dinner, sit, visit, catch up and try to get some sort of art into the gathering.  And I have a group of 5 who meets in my studio every Tuesday morning and will have been meeting every Tuesday for 4 years this May.  I am thankful and thrilled to have  these woman in my life.

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what?  no

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  name 5 and your least favorite colors?  name 5.     Black and other colors is my favorite pallet.  Everything goes with black so I have no least favorites.

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  are you messy or tidy?    I have a converted 2 car garage for my studio/work space. Wet and dry projects happen in this space but not at the same time.  I am a messy person.

7.  What is your creative process?  think, draw, design, make or right to the design. I work spontaneously.    A dream, vision, image starts me off, that is all it takes.  I do no draw or plan beyond the stick figure stage and that is subject to change.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why?  I like squares - always have.  Last few years I have tried to add the word "peace" to each project (often it is hidden).

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why?   Do not have a favorite artist, would be hard to pick one single artist. 

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?  If so, can you tell us the title or titles?  no

11.  Do you make art full time?   If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life?  I have been making and selling "stuff" for 25 years.  I did my first art fair in 1988.  What I make has changed but I have been selling what I make with these hands for all those years. 

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life?    Truthfully, getting accepted to an exhibit and getting to show my vision.  Thank you Jamie and Leslie - you are my current most thrilling.

Website - joanell.com
Blog - joanellconnolly.blogspot.com