Artists of The Gallery Marquette: Joy Bender Hadley

Who is Joy Bender hadley?

Joy is a multi-disciplinary artist who is always pushing herself through various mediums. She is a founding member of The Gallery Marquette, being actively involved since November of 2019.

Joy sees herself as a painter who will also choose to use clay, recycled materials, collage, and printmaking as a tool to convey her imagery. Joy’s process is all about exploration. While challenging herself with various mediums, she works to unite color with nature, whimsical stories, and creative meditation.

What mediums do you primarily work in, and what’s your favorite?

I work in multiple mediums! I love to paint, block print and clay!

What are you working on right now (or most recently)?

I am working on several different series.

Print: Meditation Series, Upper Peninsula Birds, “Tweet” on canvas flags

Ceramics: Organic Pod Series, Goddess Series, Poppy Series, Jewelry pendants & earrings

Acrylic Paint: Animal Series

Mixed Watercolor and Birchbark: Aurora Birch Landscape Series

What inspires you?

Play, exploration, meditation, breathing, the region’s beauty, and other artists!

What are your strategies when you’re experiencing a creative lull?

I’m thankful that I have not had a lull in at least 10 years. But back when that happened, I realized I needed to make time to create and play. So I made a 5”x5” piece of art using any materials available, everyday! I got to 189 new works. That daily practice ignited my creativity at SO many levels. I highly recommend trying this.

How has your work evolved over the years?

I guess 20 years ago when I became a teacher, it helped me practice & explore so many different mediums that I now produce work in many mediums. I am no longer just a painter. I am an artist with a full menu of ways to communicate.