We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanna Henry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanna, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
By the end of my career I want to be considered as a successful artist with multiple exhibits spanning over the years I have been an active artist. In addition to having my work owned by major collectors and on display in galleries and museums including in my own non-profit gallery/studio space.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is focused around the black experience and creating artwork that is a vehicle for my voice and opinions to be heard and seen. Getting to where I am now has not been easy with a lot of stopping and starting and then of course trying to develop a style that hopefully stands out compared to my contemporaries. But I overcame that by buckling down and just really taking the time to develop my craft and understand what I want my work to stand for.

An important lesson I’ve learned is to always experiment and to use your mistakes as opportunities for learning.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For daytime activities I’d probably take my friend to the aquarium, the High Museum of Art, and Ponce Market. Then for dining we would definitely need to go to Breakfast at Barney’s.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe my success mainly to my family because with out them continually pushing me and praying for my success I don’t think I’d be where I am right now. They truly encouraged me to develop my art and not to give up. I’d also like to shout out ceramics professor Jim Connell for sparking and nurturing my love for ceramics. And also my core group of friends who have been beyond supportive of my art.

Website: www.jhenrystudio.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jhenrystudio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-henry/

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