JOY
Joy and happiness are synonymous, related but distinct. They can also be experienced simultaneously and perhaps confusingly, joy can be felt even when we are feeling unhappy. Happiness can be temporary and regarded as a kind of emotional barometer as we respond to our life’s events unfolding. Joy on the other hand, can be a more intense feeling, involving a transcendence of the self. It can be a powerful emotion that is a response to the external world, whether it directly impacts our lives or not. It can be purely about appreciation. Both my parents were artists and so art was a frequent topic of conversation in our home. As a little girl, I asked my father what the purpose of art was. At that time of course, I was unaware of the enormity of that question. However, he answered quite simply that in his opinion, “Art should improve the world.” This made a lasting impression upon me and perhaps because of this, coupled with my naturally positive disposition, a quest for joy has been a constant in many aspects of my practice as an artist. Of course, not all art is joyful. Art can create a wide variety of responses and serve many purposes. Personally though, I feel I have succeeded creatively if my paintings are perceived to be joyous and if they elicit joy in others through an uplifting visual experience. These latest paintings have undoubtedly been inspired by the joy I have experienced in the world over the last year. My perception has felt heightened since returning to Scotland after so many years abroad and what might have seemed familiar or unremarkable before, has now become revitalised. As Proust said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” My intention is to convey the joy I feel through colour, texture, movement and an edited or even fantastical version of the world. There is joy in that creative process itself, even when there are difficulties because as every artist will tell you, the joy to be found in overcoming creative obstacles is enormous! Ultimately, if my audience can perceive this sense of joy, if it resonates with their own experience and feels tangible to them, then the joy can become their own. After all, when someone responds to a painting it is often not so much the visual or literal content that has moved them but rather, a visceral feeling or sense of connection. In this way, the artist can be a conduit for joy that will hopefully be transferred to others. Perhaps in turn, the recipient may pass this joy to others still. As visual communicators, artists strive to speak via their art. It is hugely gratifying to be understood and so perhaps the joy in this whole process does not really transfer as much as it proliferates. In essence, these paintings have been inspired by joy, been made with joy and with the intention of creating joy. I hope this will be tangible and that you will receive joy as a result.
Blythe Scott, 2025
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