Monroe County
Mixed Media Artist
Before she moved from Florida to Monroe County, around 1978, Joan Barfield did not realize that her life was missing something."But I soon discovered that the deep south provided me with deeper experiences than I could have ever imagined," Joan explained. "Through exploration of forests, rivers, roads, and history my imagination and creativity were sparked. The deep south has so many layers in its landscapes, vegetation, animal life, and people. I find it all so stimulating and fascinating."
Joan's scope of creativity, while teaching and raising her five children, involved building a homestead, children's projects, sewing, writing, drawing, or cooking. But now, since retirement,Joan has been immersing herself in mixed media. Although she has no formal training, she was encouraged early in her quest by the mantra of an online teacher: "You are not born an artist, but you have the power to become an artist by recreating yourself and reimagining a new future for yourself."
An impressionistic focus on nature with bright colors and texture is her favorite choice of expression, but she is always looking for new ways to share her voice. She wants to focus a portion of her future paintings on diversity, equality and justice.
Joan says that she finds great joy and peace in painting. "There is not a better feeling than when someone makes a connection to my art."