Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Bradley.
Hi Joy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I’ve always been good at artistic outlets growing up, whether through music or handcrafting, but it was always just a hobby, nothing I thought would be a part of who I am now. I graduated from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor focusing on a career in the health field. However, my career goals were driven by status, income, and stability instead of fulfillment, purpose, and creativity. I ended up working in the health field for several years, unhappy and confused. The problem wasn’t the job or career choice, it was that I didn’t know who I was or what I was created to do. During that time, I offered to design my friend’s wedding. While I was searching for ideas, I stumbled across these beautiful giant flowers. I immediately started to research how they were made. A lot of the information I came across was from international locations; pointedly from Russia. So, I took a huge leap of faith, followed my heart, and traveled to St. Petersburg Russia on a solo trip to attend a week-long giant flower master class. When I returned, I dived into creating art. Through endless hours of practice, cuts, burns, frustration, joy, triumphs, innovation, and creativity, I built upon the knowledge I gained in Russia and created my own artistic style. I create work for a variety of clients and have collaborated with local artists. Each opportunity allowed me to share my work and grow as an artist; opening up doors to bigger platforms through people who were inspired by my work and story. My artistry is one big self-immersion experience that I believe is a God-given dream and testimony. It was nothing I had ever imagined myself doing, it helped me to start learning who I am, and it has allowed me to inspire and interact with people I never thought I would have an audience with.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I had to give up this version of me I created in my head in order to make room for who I was created to be. That means I had to accept all of the twists and turns I experienced as divine intervention instead of failures. Running an artistic business has its own set of challenges. Working as the owner and sole member of Joy x Design, I had to wear many hats and building giant art pieces requires a lot of space; my ‘art studio’ so far has been the great outdoors when the weather permits it. But I do what is necessary to bring my work to life by working with whatever space I have, even if that means almost destroying the living room in the small apartment I share with my husband and two dogs. Also, I’ve experienced many sleepless nights in order to get work done. Entrepreneur life isn’t for the faint of heart. I had to grow in my faith in God. I had to get out of my own way so He could show me the path created for me. I’m still learning how to relinquish control and let God lead me through each day. I’ve made many mistakes and took on more than I could handle at some points, but all of the challenges are a part of the growing process. Like they say, you don’t get the harvest the same day you plant the seed.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a mixed-media installation artist. I create nature-inspired giant art pieces with an emphasis on fantastical scenery. The size of my pieces are made to enrapture the viewer and give them a glimpse into another dimension. I draw inspiration from the many fantastical stories, movies, and soundtracks I enjoyed since childhood that transported my imagination into another world. All of my work is meticulously constructed by hand and built from the ground up using welded metal supports, EVA foam, plaster, epoxy, wire, spray paints, airbrush paints, construction materials, and more to create immersive elements.
I started working as an artist officially in 2018 through my business Joy x Design. From there I did local art shows such as Light Up Livernois, Raw Artists: Detroit, and Acronym: Detroit. I also collaborated with other artists on projects, styled photoshoots, and installations. I’ve created seasonal installations in Somerset Collection Mall in Troy, MI. I was also a visual art designer for the first activation of Somerset Collection Studio in downtown Detroit. I recently did a collaboration with Plant Economy for the Detroit Pistons in Little Caesar’s Arena. I’m also the co-owner of Room to Grow Experience which is an interactive pop-up immersive experience that marries art and wellness.
I’m proud of every piece I create but the most notable ones for me are the 14-foot giant vine structure and the 7-foot-tall giant bouquet. The giant bouquet has my heart. It was the first piece I ever attempted to create as an artist, and process of building the giant vine structure challenged me to create without limits.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe that discipline, consistency, and keeping God first in everything is the key. I’ve learned (and still have to remind myself) to not be afraid when things don’t go my way. Good things and bad things happen for a reason to teach new lessons, to address limiting beliefs, to inspire others, and to be a guide. Looking back, everything that has happened to me and for me was all purposeful no matter how painful or beautiful the experience.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.joyxdesign.com
- Instagram: @joyxdsn
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/joyxdesign
