Offering exquisite works of original art that express beauty and hope.
Offering exquisite works of original art that express beauty and hope.
“Beauty will save the world,” penned by Fyodor Dostoevsky, best expresses Joy Hilley’s sense of purpose—to create visual art and sacred spaces that help restore beauty to the world.
Joy has been creating art and seeking beauty all her life. For most of her art career, she worked commercially as a graphic artist and explored other visual art forms on the side. When she set aside graphic design and began painting full-time, Joy gained the freedom to explore her own palette, style, and expression.
The majority of Joy’s canvas art is abstract—to spark the viewer’s own imagination, invite conversation, and embrace mystery. She loves to explore the interplay between color, light, texture, and shape. Remnants of her graphic design years can be detected in the shapes and patterns—as well as in the shimmer created by gold metal leaf and metallic acrylic accents.
Joy’s primary medium is chalk paint. Although rarely used for fine art, chalk paint enables her to create many thin layers to gain depth and texture. During quarantine, she began exploring watercolor as well. The contrast in mediums is a source of personal challenge for her.
Private and corporate collectors, throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand have acquired Joy’s paintings for their homes, offices, and religious institutions. Her work has been displayed in numerous one-woman shows throughout the region. Her Houston studio is open to the public from 12–5 pm on Saturdays and by appointment Tuesday–Friday.
Joy Hilley holds a master’s degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s from the University of Kentucky. She and her husband, Joe, are the parents of two young adults—a professional ballerina and a photography student. The Hilley family has made Houston their home since 2011.
In addition to her art career, Joy has authored Daily Prayer: A Modern Guide to Ancient Practices. She also provides art direction to non-profit organizations. She relaxes by playing the piano and cooking for others. She is an avid reader, often edits books and manuscripts, and is fully committed to using the Oxford comma!