Joy Norman – Mixed Media Artist

I am a mixed-media artist working from my studio in Blaby, Leicestershire creating framed work, vessels and freestanding or wallhanging assemblages. I have always been fascinated by the tactile nature of the surface and texture of handmade paper – finding myself drawn to its imperfections and fragility I have worked for many years exploring these qualities.

Inspired by myths and folklore, I make delicate and intriguing decorative pieces of work that have a tangible sense of history. I distress and manipulate many of my creations until they appear reminiscent of archaeological finds or ancient treasures. Some of my favourite subjects are fantasy fossils, spiky fish and other imaginary sea creatures.  In the last few years I have created a fictional character, a Victorian antiquarian called Miss Clara Knight, and have written journal-style stories to accompany the series of pieces and to tell her tale.

Having been brought up with a ‘make do and mend’ ethos I find I’m drawn to repurposing preloved materials from the past. I use recycled papers and paper pulp, vintage textiles, organic fragments and found ephemera – embellishing them with a range of different techniques including paper casting or impressing, adding inclusions or stitching to create unique handmade pieces.

I am a member of the Leicester Society of Artists, VISUALise Textile Group and Lutterworth Stitchers

I am happy to supply my work on either a Sale or Return basis, or a Bought Outright basis. My full retail prices range between £15 and £2,000. My work mostly consists of small series’ of one-offs, so I do not offer work on a wholesale basis.