The Art Box - Episode 36 - Joyce Redweik

What a fun time we had interviewing Joyce, You will enjoy this bundle of fun and energy.

Take it away Joyce -

When I am asked what kind of artist I am, I respond that I am a doodler. Sometimes I get a puzzling look, then I am asked what is a doodler? I explain that it is form of line art that is repeating patterns and allowing your pen to go wherever you feel. I like to say it brings out my inner weirdness. After I give my explanation, people then become very interested. The art form is also known as tangling or the trademark name Zentangle. I love doodling because we all have doodled at one time, usually as a kid in school.  Now I am turning my doodles into art. I have doodled for about 6 years.  I started in a class in Arizona and I was hooked.  I find it a relaxing form of art and now I am sharing doodling in a gallery art class. I love to watch new doodlers realize that they can create pieces of art from repeating lines. I am a proud that some of my students are entering contests and placing their pieces of art in the gallery giftshop.

Some “doodle” patterns actually have symbolic meaning in ancient cultures, such as the spiral which represents the galaxy and the beginning of the life cycle.  I especially love the Hawaiian and southwest patterns. Patterns are everywhere and I often find myself staring them and snapping a picture of it. I have taken pictures of carpets, shirts, and other places.

I haven’t always worked on my art, but as a kid I enjoyed drawing, coloring, and creating. We retired in Mesquite 3 years ago and I focused my newly found free time on being more creative. My husband gave up his dream den to allow me to have my dream art room. It usually looks like a hurricane came through it as projects in progress sit out waiting for attention. Since retiring, not only have I worked on doodling, but I have also explored other creative outlets such as pottery, color pencils, acrylics, watercolor, and photography. I always think that I should focus on one area, but I have such fun with many mediums.

My family supports me in my endeavors and encourages me to be creative. Besides a wonderful husband, (did I mention he gave up his dream den), we have two amazing adult children.  My son is an airline captain and my daughter works in logistics for a defense contractor.  They are both married and have wonderful families that are dear to my heart.

I will often ask my family, especially my husband who gave up his dream den, what they think of one of my pieces of art. I appreciate that they are honest with me because it only helps me get better.  Sometimes we have a good laugh and move on. Recently, I was working on a color pencil project of a baby tiger’s eye. It looked more like a sloth having a bad hair day.  I laughed so hard that I was almost crying. I believe it is important to realize that not every piece is going to turn out to be a masterpiece but more every piece is a learning experience.