Joy Kinna was born in 1997, just outside of Vancouver, Canada. She works in the greater Vancouver area as a full-time abstract artist. Her work is abstract, reminiscent of nature and the human experience. She has thousands of collectors around the world and is continuing to expand her practice. 
How did you get into art?
Long story short, I always remember being interested in art and being inspired by materials and my surroundings. Creating colour combinations was fascinating to me, whether it was through my fashion, the way I decorated my childhood bedroom or drawing in my notebook. I grew up with a lot of original art in my home, and especially my grandparent's house and I believe it impacted those spaces greatly - adding conversation starters, adding beauty, peace and creativity. This is where it all started for me.
How would you describe your style? What makes your work special?
My work is fluid, organic and often neutral in colour palette. I find the work I am most drawn to is work that calms the viewer to feel something, work that inspires people and that is visually timeless. I hope my artwork outlasts generations and is able to be kept as an heirloom, surpassing “trends” you often see in the art world.
How do you go about developing your work?
Years of practice, play, and failures. I paint lots, and I paint often. I paint many works at a time and this helps me to move forward in my work, exploring new things and ultimately giving me the freedom to allow mistakes to happen. In my work, I’m often experimenting and setting up for creative controlled accidents to happen. I work with fluid acrylics and a lot of water. In the initial phases of a piece, I have more control, but as the work dries, I have to sit back and watch. My control becomes limited which is where the magic happens.
Who or what influences you?
I am influenced by a variety of things. The life of an artist is one of noticing and engaging with the world around you. Currently, I’m in the thick of parenting young kids, and my greatest inspiration can be found through this. Through noticing life’s simple moments. I live on the west coast of Canada which informs so much of my work. My love for water and the feeling of being near the ocean.
My current list of inspirations includes light patterns, winter sunsets, cold water, coastlines, human interactions, thoughts around fear and peace, my Norwegian heritage, and travel.
Two female artists whose lives and work inspired me to start painting are Agnes Martin and Helen Frankenthaler.
Make us curious. What are you planning to do next?
I plan on continuing to explore my interest in light, both real and artificial light and how it interacts with my art practice. I plan on working larger and creating more ways for people to experience my art in public spaces. 
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