Joslyn Culver

Making a move to Tucson from the Bible Belt in my early 20s sparked a transformative journey for me. I went from feeling suppressed to total freedom of expression - which included freedom to make art. Soon I began formal art training, focusing on watercolor. By my 30s and 40s, I had expanded into jewelry making, which I sold locally and in resorts, while also earning an interior design degree, which led to several years working in that field. My artistic evolution has taken many forms and I have now returned to painting—this time with acrylics on canvas—and creating found object sculptures.

Though relatively new to the gallery scene, I’ve had the honor of showcasing my work locally. I continue to experiment with styles and techniques as I refine my artistic voice, driven by a passion for vibrant color, texture, and expressive form.

Art has always been a healing force for me whether as an observer or a creator and my hope is that my work can be that for others.

My Process

My artistic process is deeply rooted in the freedom of intuitive creation, guided by the exploration of texture, vibrant colors, and layers. Working with acrylics, I embrace a non-representational and abstract expressionistic style, allowing emotions to flow onto the canvas without the constraints of a predetermined plan. 

Though I may start with a color palette or a desire for specific textures, the final form of my work emerges organically, shaped by my inner state and the interactions between the elements as they evolve. I find that working on multiple pieces simultaneously allows me to engage with each one more fluidly, often over the course of several days to a week.

A significant source of inspiration comes from the desert, where I take daily walks. The landscape’s vastness, colors, and textures provide a rich sensory experience that subtly informs the mood and movement in my paintings. Through layering, I aim to evoke a sense of depth and discovery, much like the process of uncovering hidden aspects of my thoughts and feelings.