Mariposa Lillies, 2021, flashe and vinyl paint on canvas over wood panel, 14 x 14 in. (35.56 x 35.56 cm)
In her symmetrical paintings Joyce explores hidden systems of nature, the built world, and the cosmos. The paintings are composed of modular and interlocking hexagons, triangles, and concentric circles with special surprise guest appearances by the occasional lily or a bit of gilded text. While in her twenties and fresh out of art school, Joyce worked as a decorative painter embellishing the walls of mansions and vacation homes.
In this recent body of work, you’ll find combinations of faux-bois, gold leafing, spatter painting, stenciling, rag-rolling, marbelizing etc.—sometimes all in one composition. By assigning each technique to its own specific shape on the canvas, Joyce creates and unfolding pattern and off-beat rhythm. The decorative finishes function as sophisticated painting solutions, rather than tromp-l’oeil trickery.