We recently had the chance to connect with Nancy Joyce and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nancy, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve got two seniors this year. One in college and one in high school. Time feels like it’s moving faster than ever, and I’m really aware of it. Our son is playing the blind side in football, and Friday night lights have been such a joy to take in. There’s nothing like the energy of those games. Knowing that this time next year we’ll be empty nesters makes me appreciate all of it, the messes, the laundry, the travel…because it’s part of this season we’re in right now.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Nancy, and I’m a visual artist based in Concord, North Carolina. My work often weaves together themes of time, memory, and connection, using layers of color and movement to tell a story on canvas. I think what makes my work special is how it balances structure with spontaneity. I love creating pieces that feel both grounded and full of energy. Right now, I’m focused on a new collection that explores growth and change, and I’m also working on ways to connect more directly with my community through exhibitions, workshops, and collaborations.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My father is one of the hardest-working people I know. He taught me about work ethic, resilience, and determination but he always reminded me that you also need a little bit of luck along the way. Both of my parents grew up with very little, and that shaped the way they approached life. They instilled in me the value of hard work and persistence, and even now, in their 80s, they refuse to slow down. It’s both inspiring and, honestly, a little daunting at times.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
As an artist, I’ve learned you need thick skin. Rejection is part of the process, and so is the uncertainty that comes with putting your work in front of juries, judges, or whoever’s in a position to decide your future. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t. What I’ve changed my mind about, after failing hard, is how much weight I give those moments. I try not to take either outcome too seriously. I celebrate the wins, but I don’t let them go to my head. And when things don’t go my way, I do my best not to stay stuck there. It’s a constant balance of keeping perspective and moving forward.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the art world tells itself is that success is purely about talent. It’s easy to assume that if you’re good enough, the right people will notice, but there’s so much more that goes into it: timing, luck, persistence, networking, and being willing to put your work out there even when it’s scary. Another myth is that rejection is a reflection of your worth. In reality, it often has nothing to do with the quality of your work, it can be about fit, trends, or the tastes of the people judging it. The sooner you accept that, the freer you are to keep creating and taking risks.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I stop judging myself and just paint. When I’m fully immersed in the process… choosing colors, letting them flow, layering shapes, etc. I lose track of time and the noise in my head quiets down. It’s not about creating a “perfect” piece or meeting anyone else’s expectations; it’s about being present with the work itself. Those moments remind me why I do what I do and leave me with a sense of calm and clarity that carries beyond the studio.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://nancyjoycegallery.com/
- Instagram: @NancyJoyceArt
- Linkedin: @NancyJoyceArt
- Twitter: @NancyJoyceArt
- Facebook: @NancyJoyceArt
- Youtube: @NancyJoyceArt
Image Credits
Most photos, I took myself and some were from @Murphy.photos from Charlotte, NC.
