Joanie C Art Studio

My journey into the world of art has been anything but linear. I am a contemporary abstract artist based in Naples, Florida, working in an intuitive, non-representational style that emphasizes color, movement, and emotional connection. As a child, I was deeply immersed in music, which meant my academic path did not include formal art training—an absence I did not fully recognize at the time.

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After college, I built a successful career in information technology, eventually working as an independent project management consultant. While my work was technical, it was also inherently creative. I thrived on organizing complexity, analyzing disparate elements, and assembling them into cohesive, functional systems. Even then, creativity was present—designing websites became my earliest form of visual expression, blending structure, intuition, and problem-solving in ways that would later feel strikingly familiar in my abstract art practice.

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Life unfolded with family, career, and creative detours. Cake decorating became a favorite hobby, and I often joked that I could create anything with icing—but not with a pencil and paper. It wasn’t until I approached retirement that I recognized the need for a deeper sense of purpose and creative fulfillment.

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At my daughter’s suggestion, I experimented with flow painting. After watching a few instructional videos and purchasing basic supplies, I began to paint. What started as curiosity quickly became a profound passion. I was captivated by the process of discovery—allowing each painting to unfold organically and reveal its own direction.

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In 2019, after retiring, my husband and I relocated to Naples, Florida. With the gift of time, I was able to paint daily and fully immerse myself in my studio practice. As my work evolved, I sought greater intention and control, expanding my tools to include brushes and palette knives. Through continued study, I discovered abstract art—a genre that immediately resonated with me. The vivid color, layered textures, and dynamic movement echoed the analytical yet intuitive process I had long enjoyed professionally. Abstract painting became a visual language built by observing individual elements and thoughtfully assembling them into a unified whole. Perhaps technology and art are not so far apart after all.

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To further develop my practice, I enrolled in abstract art classes and began exhibiting my work in local shows and at COCO Art Gallery locations throughout Southwest Florida.

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While painting is now the center of my creative life, my technology background continues to inform both my artwork and my connection to the arts community. I continue to design and develop websites for local artists and galleries, helping them translate their creative vision into engaging digital spaces. This work blends visual storytelling with structure and clarity—an approach that closely mirrors my abstract painting process.

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Throughout this journey, I have also discovered the importance of artistic community. Relocating across the country and spending long hours alone in the studio can be isolating, and I felt compelled to create connection. From an initial gathering of local artists, I founded the Art Guild of Naples, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and empowering visual artists. Today, I also serve as Vice President of the Art Council of Southwest Florida, helping expand opportunities for artists and supporting them in achieving their creative goals.

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Art has given me purpose, community, and an ever-evolving path of discovery.
Life is good.