The Art & Photography of Joan M Ballard
Joan M. Ballard
Visual Artist & Photographer
Biography & Statement
What happens when you lose, what you thought was your purpose in life?
Starting over is not so easy. What I lost was not just my business, my physical ability, or my mental well-being, but everything I thought I was!
But, it was in this loss, I found my true self. A young Artist: drawing, coloring, and creating with her Mother. The teenage art protégé who studied every course, every medium, every Master. Who spent hours developing her gifts, under her mentors guidance, who dreamed of studying Art abroad...
For over 20 years, both of us were imprisoned by life's unforeseen path, sidetracked...now we are free, and we have a lot to catch up on.
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Why do I create?
It is an inherent need, long suppressed that has manifested itself in different works. Landscapes, still lifes, flowers and photographs, done in colorful abstract, graphic, and traditional styles. One of loudest, featuring a flame haired version of myself. I refer to her as “she." Ignoring prudence, and diffidence, “she” and I create scenes from life, in a pop art/contemporary style that reflect my own memories, experiences, and life lessons. Both divine and despondent that often broaches socially taboo subjects, dealt with behind closed doors. My prayer, is by sharing myself, in such an intimate way, it will show others they are not alone, and empower them to share.
In 2014, my greatest work came in the form of my son. Giving birth is truly a masterpiece in itself. Although it did put my creative muse on the backburner for a time, "she" and I have been hard at work in recent months. Picking up drawing more in recent months as I can lay it down quicker, if my son needs me. Many drawings featuring geometric shapes and curls.
I have also recently rediscovered my love of watercolors. I've completed several new pieces, including a commision for Wake Forest Baptist Church Sunday School, and a series of flowers for a show at the Women's Club of Raleigh in January 2016.
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J.M Ballard is a member of the Visual Art Exchange in Raleigh, NC. A volunteer Artist with BEST Raleigh, and a member of the Board of Arts Access Inc.
Her work has been featured in shows at Hermitage Museum, Norfolk, VA; Mercury Studios, Durham, NC; The Visual Art Exchange, Raleigh, NC; Bryn Mawr Hospital, Philadelphia, PA; Art After Dark, Fuquay Varina, NC, and various other locations throughout the Raleigh-Durham area.
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