Wesbite – www.joycevanderlely.com

Joyce van der Lely is a full time mixed media artist/illustrator. Born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Joyce emigrated to New Zealand in 1995. After the earthquakes in 2010/2011 she moved from Christchurch to the Bay of Plenty. Joyce runs art studio/gallery ‘Young at Art Downunder’ in Tauranga.

Partly schooled and partly self-taught, Joyce enjoys the freedom of the mixed media process, being able to choose and use whatever medium she feels fits the work and will tell the story she want to show the viewer. Her works are finding their way to collectors around the world.

What are you most proud of?
I’m mostly proud of my kids. But I’m also quite proud of the fact that I have a positive outlook on life. I’m a glass half full person and will always try to find the positive, whatever happens.

Does being Dutch influence your life in New Zealand?
I believe so. I think Dutch people are ‘go-getters’, we are hard workers, honest and don’t give up easily. We lost a lot in the Christchurch earthquake and had to start over when we moved to Tauranga. I believe our determination has helped create our new life here.