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Joy Merritt discovered the artist
within her in a strange way. She was home alone one night -- then,
someone broke in and robbed her. In her quest to overcome the anger
that remained due to this trauma, she was convinced to focus her anger
through drawing and painting. She began to discover her pathway into
the world of fine art. The results have changed her life.
She explains her philosophy, "A lack of formal education in the fine
arts maintains that expression takes form, not by diploma alone, but by
dipping the mind into the water well of life and beginning somewhere,
sometime.
Joy was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from
The Vincentian Academy, which is directed by the Vincentian Sisters of
Charity. In 1969, she moved to Pasadena where she lived for
twenty-five years and raised her family. She now resides in Alta Loma.
Watercolor painting is her current focus, although she also has
enjoyed other media such as acrylic and oil painting. She has studied
art with John Trees, Vivian DeLand, Donna Barnes Roberts, and Jim Burns.
Her highly regarded mentor has been Dr. Alan Karbelnig, whom she credits for
his guidance, encouragement, and patience.
Teaching art is also a passion for Joy. She instructs at
several Southern California locations. Her paintings are in private
collections throughout the Southern California area.
Joy has won several awards from area art shows and competitions.
She is a member of the Associated Artists of the Inland Empire, and is a
former member of art associations in San Gabriel and Pomona Valley.
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