What is your craft?   

I am a decorative artist and have been painting for 11 years.

Who/what inspired you to learn this craft? I was feeling very unfulfilled after I retired to Florida. I sewed and did several crafts, but was looking for something that would truly make me excited. I had prayed a lot about it, but still could not find anything that I really wanted to do for the rest of my life. Joyce Hamilton demonstrates her passion, one-stroke decorative painting, at the Wine and Arts Festival. I was cleaning one day and had the television on. Now I very rarely have the TV on when I am cleaning and almost never watch those selling channels, but this day QVC was on, and Donna Dewberry was painting. I was mesmerized. I immediately went to the phone and ordered one of her kits. I had been dabbling in painting but really had not done a lot. When the kit came I started painting, but was feeling very frustrated because I couldn't seem to get it right. I went to her web site, and lo and behold, she offered a 4-day seminar in Orlando, of all places. I thought about it for two

Do you enjoy teaching heritage crafts? Decorative painting is something people can do and be successful immediately. I love when a student discovers that they can paint even if they can't draw. It opens up a whole new world for them. And, like me, if they want to, they can expand into other painting techniques. There is no end to what we can do just because we picked up a OneStroke brush and started painting. I do OneStroke classes frequently. Those interested in classes can e-mail me at hjham1@netscape.com and request a schedule. If they have any questions, they can telephone me at 304-839-7839. My classes and pictures are also on my web site at www.picturetrail.com/ joycehamilton1.

Where do you work? The name of my company is Joyous Inspirations. When we moved to West Virginia a year and a half ago. it was to be near family and to build me a studio. Well, we finished that in early March, and I have been in there happily painting almost all of the time.

What are some of the things you make? As a decorative artist, I paint on almost everything. I just finished painting a barn scene on a milk can for a customer. I love to paint on plaques, wood, faux slate, and real slate. I also paint on glass of all kinds and will be doing a glass class this fall, as well as painting on t-shirts or sweatshirts. Decorative art lends its self to painting on anything -- wood, glass, fabric, walls and even concrete. When I lived in Florida I painted pictures in driveways.

What is your ”signature” ? I'm not sure I have a signature thing to paint. I do love painting wooden stools. I paint landscapes on them, but my most favorite thing to paint on them is teddy bears, a boy bear in short pants or a girl bear in a frilly dress. I usually write on them "You are a special child of God!"

What is the most satisfying aspect of your craft? I think the most satisfying aspect of my painting is to see how far I have come. When I look at some of my earlier things, I feel a great sense of pride in how much I have improved. But what is really amazing is that there is so much more I have to learn, and I look forward to learning with great anticipation.

What awards have you won? I've not won any awards, mostly because I have never entered anything. I have, however, been accepted into craft shows in Florida. I don't do many fairs Any more. You can't imagine how difficult it is, and I admire those that do it every weekend. .

What other activities are you involved with? While I love painting with a passion, I do leave time in my life for other things. I have family in the area, and we enjoy being together. I have seven grandchildren --four in Florida and three in Missouri. I try to see them every six months. They are the joy of my life, and it is wonderful to watch them grow. I volunteer with a youth group at my church and belong to the Tomahawk CEOS. This is a service group through the WV Extension Service. My sister is retiring next year, and we are planning to open a booth in an antique/craft mall in the area. I have also begun to write poetry, and it amazes me what God reveals in us when we take the time to listen.

Do you have any goals or aspirations for the future related to your craft? I'm not sure. My life so far has been really good, and I can't imagine what the future holds. I want to continue to paint, continue to spend time with family, and continue to serve my God. I don't think I can ask for much more.

Vist another of Joyce's Web pages at http://www.picturetrail.com/joycehamilton1