Joy O'Brien

My art serves as an outlet and form of self-love, allowing me to take up space through experimentation and discovery. Navigating mental health and personal transformation are underlying themes central to my work.

As a way of processing feelings and emotions, my art practice explores the seemingly childlike expression of intuitive painting and a developing inner dialogue that deepens within me as a piece evolves. Alternating random and deliberate strokes of paint and mark-making, I build layer upon layer until perfect imperfection emerges—sharing a metaphor of self-acceptance and the ability to love ourselves unconditionally.

As a self-taught artist, I'm continuously inspired by the simplicity of tools and materials at my disposal to create meaningful art. Since early on, my work has combined a mixture of acrylics, house paint, oil pastels, and collage from my collection of antique photographs, postcards, and ephemera.

I am a self-taught artist with a background in UX and graphic design, currently living in Milwaukee, WI.

2023 | FRESH40 Inaugural Group Exhibition | Shorewood, WI

2019 | The Other Art Fair | Mana Contemporary, Chicago, IL

2019 | 39th Annual SECURA Fine Arts Exhibition Juried Event | The Trout Museum of Art, Appleton, WI

2017 | 30x30x30 Exhibition | Var Gallery, Milwaukee, WI

2016 | Terror Chic, Group Show | Milwaukee, WI

2012 | Hover Craft | Milwaukee, WI

2011, 2008, 2007 | Made in Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI

2007 | Make a Promise, Live Art Auction Benefit for AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin | Milwaukee, WI

2006 | Terror Chic, Group Show | Milwaukee, WI

2006 | The Bird Show with dwellephant | Design Within Reach, Milwaukee, WI