Joanne Stead
"Whimsical, unique, quirky and fun -
Joanne makes an art of finding magic in the everyday."
This is my story
At almost 40 years of age I had a lightbulb moment that I wasn't connecting with my gifts or purpose anymore, I had become too busy being a mum, an employee, a volunteer and a contributor to my community. All these things gave back to me in special ways, that is the reward of giving but they were all things that I did for others. And I needed to be giving something to myself. At the end of my life, I need to look back and know that I lived a life that was true to myself, my unique gifts and connected with my essence.
That is when I started to create. Art had been a passion through school, it had just put it to the side as other life priorities took over. But thankfully, when I was ready for it to take a central place in my life, it was still there waiting for me.
Art brings me a special kind of peace, and joy from within. I am still a mum, a volunteer and an active participant in my community. I enjoy making a contribution, nurturing others and working for social change. Those things give me a reflected happiness. But it is also in me.
I want to inspire you
As women, I think that many of us forget to include ourselves when we are planning how we spend our time. We encourage and develop the skills and interests of our partners and our children, give 110% at work, look after our friends and our communities. These are all important pursuits. But what about you.
If you aren't already making time for yourself, then now is the time. Art is my thing, but what is yours? There is no time like now to find it.
Artist CV
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Solo Exhibitions
Nov 2017: Unmeasured Moments at ME Art Space, St Leonards NSW
Aug 2016 : Choosing to Fly at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston QLD
Feb 2016 : Scraperboard and Other Amusements at Cafe2340, Tamworth NSW
Magazine Features
May 2019: Home Design Magazine (Aus)
Feb 2018: Downtown Magazine (Aus)
Aug 2017: Emboss Mag Women's Issue (USA)
Group Exhibitions
Oct 2023: Body of Work, Wee Waa Community Arts and Culture Centre
Sep 2023: Body of Work, Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery
Jun 2023: Regional Futures, Casula Powerhouse
Apr 2021: Blindspot, Ceramic Break Sculpture Park, Warialda
Feb 2021: Blindspot, Tamworth Regional Gallery
Feb 2019: Tethered: Embodying the Mother-Artist Model, USQ ArtsWorx, Toowoomba
Apr 2018: Threads and Brushes, Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery
Oct 2017: Tamworth Textiles Triennial, Tamworth Regional Gallery
Jun 2017: Culture, Connection and the Unborn Child, Tamworth Regional Gallery
May 2017: Reconciliation Week Exhibition at Uni of Newcastle, Tamworth Clinical School Campus
Jan 2017: Our Mob Creates: Ngaya-gal Gimubi-li at the Inland Cafe, Tamworth NSW
Prizes
2018 Winner, Flora and Fauna, A Good Perch, Tamworth Regional Landcare Box Gum Art Competition
2017 People's Choice, Walking on Country, Donny Fermor, Bendemeer Art Show
2017 First - Portrait of a Local Identity, Tamworth Show for Walking on Country, Donny Fermor
2017 Second - Oils and Acrylics, Tamworth Show for Just Act Normal
2015 Commended – Currabubula Art Show, Local Prize for Moonbi Scar Tree
2002 Reserve Champion – Fine Arts (Pastel) Tamworth Show for Bendemeer Cottage
Falling in love
with regional living
Living in regional NSW, connection to community is paramount. If you are looking for it you will find a rich weave of everyday magic in the local landscapes and big-town aspirations, diversity of cultures and people. Regional towns are full of community-minded souls, backyard innovators and entrepreneurs, inspiration and ideas. More importantly, living in a regional area provides plenty of opportunities to get involved, make an impact or create a real difference.
Growing up in Sydney and then Brisbane, my move to regional NSW in my early twenties was not intended to be a long-term commitment, but I didn't count on falling in love with it. The opportunities that regional living has brought me - connectedness, community, discovery and empowerment - have now become my passions, and I can't imagine being anywhere else.