Life & Work with Joanne Pampinella

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanne Pampinella.

Hi Joanne, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Thanks so much for inviting me.

My name is Joanne Pampinella, but most people call me “Jo” I’m a native New Yorker, but I have lived in Arizona for 30+ years. I think I have always had the heart and soul of an artist. Art has always been a huge part of my life. My elementary and high school years were sprinkled with art classes and after school art clubs. I clearly remember writing and illustrating stories at a young age – I guess I never grew out of it. I grew up in the beautiful village of Malverne, Long Island. We lived close to the beaches and were just a short train ride into wonderful, inspiring New York City – talk about the best of both worlds!

After high school I was accepted into the School Of Visual Arts (SVA) in Manhattan. This was a whole new and exciting time for me. I was a shy and quiet Long Island girl; I had never even gone to New York City alone. It was frightening at first, but I met many other creative kids like me. We all bonded over our “first foundation” year, which consisted of the basics: drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography. After that first year, everyone branched off into their own major – mine was illustration. I studied under the great Kurt Vargo. I admired him and his work so much. He encouraged me and told me I had a great sense of color that resonated with me – and still does. Color is a big part of my work. After graduating, I did a lot of freelance illustration work. Some projects included illustrations for Seventeen Magazine and a children’s book for Doubleday publishing “The Little Fire Engine That Saved the City” by Dennis Smith. I also worked designing clothes for a children’s wear company for a while.

After years of working and living life – I got married! We both dreamed of getting out of the busy city – we were young and ready for a new adventure. We moved from New York to Arizona. When we first moved to Arizona, I fell in love with the desert. It was so different from New York. The wildlife, saguaro cactus, and the southwest landscape are magical. I was hooked; saying my environment inspired me would be an understatement. I continued doing freelance artwork, art shows, craft fairs, and living a happy life for years. My work has evolved over the years. I still love to illustrate with watercolor and ink. As of today, I am grateful to say I am a full-time artist. I am inspired every day by the people around me and different experiences in my life. Be it conscious or not, I sometimes put friends, family members, pets, and childhood memories into my artwork.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well, I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road. It’s been a challenging one for sure. Just like life in general, there are bumpy parts and smooth parts. I have made and sold a lot of artwork over the years. It hasn’t always been easy or steady work. Going to art fairs can be both fun and challenging. I’ve been to various art shows in all kinds of weather. Large shows, small shows, indoor, outdoor, in the rain, and great weather – it is hard work. I’ve been to shows where I sold everything I brought with me and other shows where I’ve sold hardly anything. Being an artist isn’t as easy as people think; it is sometimes physically demanding and often mentally challenging. Because working art shows and finding free-lance work isn’t always steady, I also worked “regular” jobs in retail, catering, art galleries, and pet sitting. No matter what, I will always continue to create art. There is nothing better than when someone connects with my artwork. It’s a thrill that will never get old to me!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have incorporated my love of illustration and color into unique works of art: wood cut-out paintings, painted furniture, painted boxes, flowerpots, puzzles, greeting cards, coloring books, and so much more!
When I work, I like to listen to all kinds of music. It helps me with the creative process. It’s a joyful experience that I truly believe shows in my artwork. I guess you can say I am currently and always focused on spreading a bit a happiness and optimism in the world with my art.

You can find my artwork on my website (www.artworkbyjo.com) and Instagram (@artworkbyjo) and in space H-19 at The Painted Tree Boutique in Scottsdale, Arizona (16227 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254).

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
The best advice I can give anyone pursuing their creative dreams is to believe and keep going. To quote the famous Rocky Balboa, “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artworkbyjo.com
• Instagram: @artworkbyjo