ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Joy St. Claire

• Tell us a little bit about your shoppe.  My shops in Etsy and Society 6 feature my fine art photography. My Etsy shop also features my work on fine art note cards and on upcycled/recycled locket sets in collaboration with Cat Ivans of Polarity. The most common feedback I receive from those viewing my shop is that my work feels happy! Much of my art features natural landscapes and garden scenes processed to emote what I feel when I am out in nature or among the flowers – calm, serene, a little part of a bigger whole, and happy!

• What is your favorite product in your shoppe and why?  My favorite items feature my dog and muse Maggie May! Maggie came to me at a difficult time in my life, & I for her. I really feel that we rescued each other. She is the perfect willing model working only for hotdogs or cheese!

• When you’re not taking gorgeous photographs, what are your hobbies?  When not taking photographs and working my magic on them, I can be found hunting through thrift stores for vintage cameras or other vintage goodies. I also enjoy knitting, hiking wild trails with Maggie May, reading a good book and spending time in my flower and vegetable gardens. And, of course I love wandering along the beaches of Lake Michigan!

• What do you like best about The Artisan Group?   I joined The Artisan Group for the amazing opportunities to gift celebrities. But, I have been pleasantly surprised by the creative & very supportive community the group offers! It is part cheerleading squad, part business boot camp and part creative inspiration. I feel blessed to be a part of this amazing team!

Joy recently participated as a display participant in a luxury celebrity gift lounge on January 13-14, 2012 at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, in honor of the The 2012 Golden Globes Nominees and Presenters.