The Artwork of up and coming artist, Joyna Heinz, is featured in this the first in a series of anthologies chronicling her work.



In her own words:



My name is Joyna Heinz. I am the oldest of seven and the happiest when with my family. I enjoy listening to music, reading, and painting.



I was born in Texas, grew up in upstate New York, lived for a year in Costa Rica and Germany, and went to college in California. I would say that I am a worldly person because I have a curiosity to see the world and explore new places. I am currently working on a MA degree in International Education so that I can work and travel around the world as well as work in an art-filled environment for students to study abroad and create art as well.



The greatest influence in my life is my mother. She has always brought creative ideas to the table and has collected mountains of art books. She still inspires me to keep on creating art and has so many ideas to offer…she's incredible. Because my mother inspires me, I feel that art should also be an inspiration. When I create a piece of art, I visualize how it will inspire others and hope to evoke a vibrancy that leaves people feeling inspired as well.



I think that art has always been a crucial part of my life. It has surrounded me ever since I was in kindergarten painting neon pink flowers and butterflies with my hands to actually pursuing an art degree in college. I gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in college. I enjoy painting abstract landscapes of European style architecture and trees. For some reason I can’t get enough of trees! If I have my camera with me, all I take pictures of is trees and close-ups of tree-bark. It’s an obsession. I also enjoy incorporating textures and collage elements into my paintings. It gives the viewer another layer to delve into.



Since I am currently in grad school, there is not too much time for painting, but I do plan on continuing to paint once free time gets put back into my hectic schedule. I paint to bring inspiration to the world.