Meet Joli Ayn Wood | Oil Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joli Ayn Wood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joli Ayn, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In a field such as mine, creating art, being immersed in art, the idea of taking risk differs from the types of risk I used to help others mitigate in a prior employment life. Before I became entrenched in art full time, I worked in banking for nearly 30 years, where risk management is at the heart of everything we would do. Credit policy was a specialty of mine, and days were spent managing said risk to an “acceptable level.”

The Big Risk for me, really, was gradually moving from a known, steady business into one that ebbs and flows, not only with income, but with inspiration and ability. Today, risks aren’t quantitative, they instead may involve pushing in a new style direction, accepting new opportunities or jobs which push my creative abilities or which take me to new vistas and introduce me to new peers and mentors.
When new opportunities present themselves, I ask myself many questions, the least of which relates to money. Considerations include if this opportunity exemplify my brand, does it fit my mission of being relevant within my community, will it push me forward in a positive way, would it be fun and would I WANT to do it, and, most importantly, do I have time? Does it fit the schedule? Finally, I weigh the risk of failure, but most always I think, “well, what if it went grandly?” What if it went spectacularly? For me, moving, growing, painting new things, meeting new people, all of these things are the New Risks.

Thinking retrospectively, I’ve found that meeting new people is the best risk one can take. They propel you forward, they introduce you to more new people, new places, new ideas. And the “second” person you meet, the one your new friend introduces you to, always, for me, is most impactful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an oil painter – I paint what inspires me. In May of 2019, after a life change and some soul searching, I moved from Southwestern Virginia to the North Shore of Boston, a place I had visited often while working in the financial industry. I left behind a robust art studio and artistic following in Virginia, having participated in regional art events, acted on boards of art centers, taught painting in workshops and privately, and helped found different organizations to support the local art scene. But I felt that I needed a change, and drawn by the artistic heritage of Cape Ann, I decided to start another chapter in my life in Massachusetts.

The transition from being a large fish in a small art pond to becoming a small minnow in the raging artistic sea that is Cape Ann was an adjustment to say the least. But I had faith I could fit in somewhere and excel by applying my artistic mission from my home state – to be relevant in my community. It was tough – my painting style was different. Nobody knew me. So I started “showing up.” I attended openings, I met artists, I admired the art, I volunteered, and I studied my craft. I watched for the Godwinks – God’s breadcrumbs showing where to go. I made decisions thoughtfully. Mostly, I just kept painting. And I tried to Make It Count every day. To show up, to paint, to work, whatever it was, I just kept going.

The pandemic, while horrific, was a hopeful time because I had time to consider my options. To work on my craft. And thanks to unemployment benefits, I was able to take some time to redirect my energies from a more conventional job to that of full time artist. With the support and encouragement of friends and my older brothers, I decided to push forward with establishing a place for me artistically here.

I had missteps along the way – leaky, temporary studios, classes offered but not taught due to low response, part time employment opportunities which sapped my energy, possible opportunities fizzling due to Covid scares. Finally, though, through meeting new art contacts in Rockport I was able to jump on an opportunity for a small space along Main Street, in the heart of the Historic Art District. I was scared to death, and teetered on that decision until I had to stake my claim. The tipping point was imagining someone else in the space. I couldn’t imagine it – knew I wouldn’t be able to stand it. So I signed the lease – for a full year, not just “seasonal.” I KEPT GOING, I KEPT MOVING FORWARD.

So now I paint both in my little Main Street studio in Rockport, MA and out of doors, on location. I adore painting outside, capturing nature, painting from life. The adventure of packing up, heading out, capturing the moment, getting the feel of a place and distilling it onto the panel in paint is the aim, fun is the ultimate goal.

I am blessed to do what I do, and my mission is to bring art to my town, to be relevant in the community. I’ve nicknamed my small studio, with its large plate glass windows, the taffy shop…. Sometimes I’m “making taffy” and folks can meander in to ask questions, peruse the art, perhaps make a purchase. Sometimes the studio is closed, but folks can view the art on the walls, see the “ingredients,” and perhaps it inspires them to stop by later to see taffy being made.

I’m completely open with my process. The creation of art very much on display and not hidden. I most enjoy sharing with the public when they stop in. This transparency of creation is NOT the norm for Rockport, home to numerous art galleries and the epicenter of the Cape Ann artistic style. My work differs from this style – while still representational, I’ve been told my brush strokes are bold and energetic and my color theory is impactful.

I offer art for everyone. I paint many different things, in many different sizes – mainly landscapes and seascapes. I have framed and unframed pieces. My habit is to paint the unexpected. If the traditional view is before me, I am apt to turn around and paint what’s behind me. It’s made a difference. My studio technique is very intuitive. I let the works lead me. I also offer private lessons in the studio or in the field, and I teach basic oils to seniors at the local Council on Aging twice a month. I greet members of the Rockport community all the time in my studio, and they tell me they love watching the progress through my window. I am so fortunate to have been embraced by such an artistically enthusiastic community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to the beach first. It wouldn’t matter which one. The beaches of Cape Ann are extraordinary – and the rocky shores with raging surf are a part of me, and my art. I would insist on a hot lunch in winter, with chowder and all the fixings, or a seaside meal in summer, most likely in Gloucester near the harbor. I never tire of seeing the boats on the water and in the harbors. A visit to the Cape Ann Museum would be a must – their amazing collection of paintings by luminist painter Fitz Henry Lane, one of my favorite artists, is not to be missed. Evenings in Rockport in the summer are lively and fun, while winters are calm and restorative.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be able to do what I do without my Higher Power – The Lord is beside me every minute of every day, showing me the path. I would like to thank Elizabeth Gilbert for giving us the gift that is her book “Big Magic.” It has encouraged me, and others, to put “fear in the back seat” during our creative journeys. Finally, I would not be here without the unwavering support of my parents, family, and friends.

Website: Joliaynwood.com

Instagram: @jolisart

Facebook: Joliaynwood

Youtube: @joliaynwood8974