Where are you from, and how did you get where you are today?
I have grown up on the coast of BC - Canada! I always remember being surrounded by the ocean and having a deep connection to wonder and creativity. I think nature and creativity are so intertwined, and this has been a huge part of my creative journey and research. I always remember working with my hands and obsessing over material and the physical act of creating. I went to school for art + design and ended up dropping out in my final year. I had a surprise baby which turned into the biggest gift for my art career. I refocused and what was originally supposed to be a "side job" while I raised my daughter quickly became my full time job and then my husband joined forces. From there I have organically grown to where I am today. I am honoured to be able to create art and place it in private collections around the world.
How would you describe your home?
Family forward. Creative. Lived in. Warm. Modern with a touch of vintage.
If you could peek inside any person’s house (dead or alive) to see how it’s decorated, who would that be and why?
I have thought a lot about the house my grandma had when I was a young child. There aren't many photos of it, and my memories are foggy. It was a mid century modern home, the best home for family and entertaining. Being an immigrant from Norway she had the best Scandinavian roots and her eye for design is unmatched. She was in her prime of hosting dinner parties and her home was filled with custom teak furniture, oil paintings and endless new ceramics and treasures. Her kitchen was always full and her garden felt like there was no end. I wish I could go back and be a fly on the wall as an adult. Not only to inspect all her pieces styled but to see her in her space. A true home maker.
Can you tell us about some of your favorite pieces in your home?
I have a bunch of sweet hand-me-down pieces from my grandma. Including: a set of vintage, dark brown Arabia Finnish mugs, Iittala glassware, a few pieces of art and ceramics. In terms of art I have a Sofia Lind original which I adore, a few lithographs I have collected for my daughters and a large abstract my oldest made that hangs in our living room. Art is what brings our home alive.
Is there a piece of art, film, or book that you absolutely love?
I have really been enjoying the Apartmento magazines the last few years. I could go on about artists' work I adore. A current favourite is an etching I collected from Catherine Repko titled "keeper" -- an ode to my daughters.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with your younger self?
Take the risk when your gut is saying YES!
Do you have any projects you're working on right now that you're excited about?
In my professional world I am slowly working towards my next body of original work being launched just before summer. In addition to that I will be preparing for another international show in 2026. A simple personal goal this year is to take the majority of the summer off to be with family and to enjoy summer on Vancouver Island. It is pure magic.
Tulip Spotlight: Joy Kinna
Where are you from, and how did you get where you are today?
I have grown up on the coast of BC - Canada! I always remember being surrounded by the ocean and having a deep connection to wonder and creativity. I think nature and creativity are so intertwined, and this has been a huge part of my creative journey and research. I always remember working with my hands and obsessing over material and the physical act of creating. I went to school for art + design and ended up dropping out in my final year. I had a surprise baby which turned into the biggest gift for my art career. I refocused and what was originally supposed to be a "side job" while I raised my daughter quickly became my full time job and then my husband joined forces. From there I have organically grown to where I am today. I am honoured to be able to create art and place it in private collections around the world.
How would you describe your home?
Family forward. Creative. Lived in. Warm. Modern with a touch of vintage.
If you could peek inside any person’s house (dead or alive) to see how it’s decorated, who would that be and why?
I have thought a lot about the house my grandma had when I was a young child. There aren't many photos of it, and my memories are foggy. It was a mid century modern home, the best home for family and entertaining. Being an immigrant from Norway she had the best Scandinavian roots and her eye for design is unmatched. She was in her prime of hosting dinner parties and her home was filled with custom teak furniture, oil paintings and endless new ceramics and treasures. Her kitchen was always full and her garden felt like there was no end. I wish I could go back and be a fly on the wall as an adult. Not only to inspect all her pieces styled but to see her in her space. A true home maker.
Can you tell us about some of your favorite pieces in your home?
I have a bunch of sweet hand-me-down pieces from my grandma. Including: a set of vintage, dark brown Arabia Finnish mugs, Iittala glassware, a few pieces of art and ceramics. In terms of art I have a Sofia Lind original which I adore, a few lithographs I have collected for my daughters and a large abstract my oldest made that hangs in our living room. Art is what brings our home alive.
Is there a piece of art, film, or book that you absolutely love?
I have really been enjoying the Apartmento magazines the last few years. I could go on about artists' work I adore. A current favourite is an etching I collected from Catherine Repko titled "keeper" -- an ode to my daughters.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with your younger self?
Take the risk when your gut is saying YES!
Do you have any projects you're working on right now that you're excited about?
In my professional world I am slowly working towards my next body of original work being launched just before summer. In addition to that I will be preparing for another international show in 2026. A simple personal goal this year is to take the majority of the summer off to be with family and to enjoy summer on Vancouver Island. It is pure magic.