Joanne Campbell (47) is an Artist from Whitehead. She started in the industry in 2013 when she turned 40, although she has been drawing and painting most of her life.
What genre / style do you create in?
Acrylic paintings on canvas, wood and slate.
What would you be best known for?
Painting on slate and live art as part of a trio of artists called TRIART.
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
Donating a painting to the Salvation Army to commemorate my firefighter Grandfathers role in World War Two and how they saved his life.
The Salvation Army displayed the painting in one of their old peoples homes near Holywood, Co. Down. I was interviewed by the History Channel about the Belfast Blitz, after this.
I am very proud of my late Grandfather and was pleased my painting was so well received. The Queens University Alumni magazine mentioned me regarding the painting that year too.
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
To stand by your quoted price, therefore, valuing your work, I rarely discount my work.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
My biggest challenge has been advertising my artwork.
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
I have been married 21 years, I am an ex Primary School teacher with two teenage daughters. I work from home and my hobbies include photography, pottery and walking, especially around the lighthouse at Whitehead.
Tell us about your most recent work?
My recent artworks are all Christmas themes, such a robins, holly wreaths and nativities, all hand painted with acrylic paint onto hanging wood slices which are just big enough to hang onto Christmas trees.
What would you like us to tell people about?
I am available from the New Year to take commissions for large acrylic paintings on canvas and to take community art sessions, as a qualified teacher, once restrictions have lifted.
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would you say?
My acrylic paintings are nature inspired or commissioned artworks onto canvas, slate and wood.
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had in your business?
I sometimes do face painting for parties too and was booked to face paint at The Limelight nightclub for a Kiss/Alice Copper tribute band. It was very amusing painting in the noise and dim light, dressed as Alice Cooper with my own face painted and dealing with adults who due to the effects of alcohol where spilling drink over you as you worked. I had a good laugh anyway and it was all very good natured.
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
I would say they should be careful about pricing their artwork, they need to know their worth and the amount of time spent and materials used. I started out selling artworks very cheaply and that can demoralise you plus making it difficult to replenish stocks.
Anything else you want to tell people about yourself or your work?
I have always had an interest in art therapy. I have a BSc in Applied Psychology and an MSc in Counselling so have a therapeutic background.
Who do you look up to and why?
I love Terry Bradleys artworks and he has a great flair for advertising his work from his lovely shops. I would love to have a high street shop for my artworks and to diversify my designs into other items such as sofas, phone cases, cushions etc, as Terry does.
You can find Joanne Campbell Artwork on Facebook and Instagram!