Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce LaBaw.
Hi Joyce, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always drawn and doodled. My practical nature led me to a career in mechanical engineering, but creativity kept things fun– painting mythical creatures on my kids’ lunchboxes, crafting cardboard boxes into an 8’ triceratops, papier mache’ing a Death Star pinata, ninja turtle shell and more.
After retiring, I took a couple art classes which surprisingly quickly led to a second career as an artist. Austin’s creative community welcomed me, challenged me, and helped me find my voice as a contemporary artist working in acrylics with nature-inspired abstracts.
I serve on the board of the Creative Arts Society, helping artists find opportunities, visibility and connection. I also volunteer at the Community First! Village, helping to run the fine art printing operations at the Art House.
Today, my practice blends structure and spontaneity, engineering perspective and artistic intuition. I am blessed to have the support of my family and friends. Through my artwork, I have connected with amazing people and found many kindred spirits. The journey has been deeply rewarding.
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?
Of course, it’s tough being an artist, especially in today’s uncertain economy. There is also the dichotomy where like many artists, I am an introvert but to sell art you have to put yourself and your deeply personal creations out into the world and advocate for your work. You accept that there will be rejections, or should I say, many learning opportunities along the way.
Engineering gave me structure, clear metrics, and well-defined problems. Art asks you to sit with uncertainty, trust your instincts, and make choices where there are infinite possibilities.
Goals are important, but sometimes it’s not necessarily about selling x many paintings or reaching a particular sales target. I can’t always control external circumstances and need to focus on what I can control, such as evolving as an artist, capturing inspiration and beauty in my art, supporting other artists and making community connections.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a contemporary acrylic artist painting Texas inspired landscapes and abstracts. I’ve been told that my work can be spiritual and meditative. My goal is to catch the eye from a distance through composition, color and contrast and then draw the viewer closer with details, layers and texture.
Beyond the studio, I’m very involved in Austin’s creative community. As Past President and now Exhibits Chair and Technology Chair of the Creative Arts Society, I help artists find opportunities, visibility, and connection. I’m proud of the exhibitions I’ve curated, the partnerships I’ve built, and the ways our organization supports both emerging and established artists. Community involvement has become just as meaningful to me as the work I create.
I’m proud of myself for stepping from a long engineering career into what was a huge unknown world for me but feels authentic and aligned with who I am now. I’m grateful that my work resonates with people, that it’s been part of charitable efforts, and that it continues to grow and change. What sets me apart is my unique color-saturated vision of the world and my efforts to support the community.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding mentors and building a network through the Creative Arts Society changed everything for me. I suddenly found myself surrounded by artists who were generous with their knowledge and who had already navigated the challenges I was just beginning to face. I’ve learned so much simply by being in the room with them: how to present the artwork, pricing, where to exhibit, how to set up a booth, best practices, how to organize an art event, etc. The education has been invaluable.
My advice is to put yourself where artists gather. Join a local arts organization, volunteer, check out other exhibits, figure out how you can help and make connections one at a time.
The Creative Arts Society gave me a place to belong, to learn, and to grow. While we may do our work in isolation, at some point, we need a community to thrive.
Pricing:
- Original acrylic paintings typically range from $140 to $2000, depending on size and complexity
- Canvas reproductions are typically $200 to $400
- Embellished reproductions are $250 and up
- Commissions are available upon request; pricing varies based on size and scope
- Prints and resined reproductions, typically available at festivals and certain exhibitions range from $45 to $120
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joycelabaw.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joycelabaw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyce.labaw
