Today we’d like to introduce you to Joni Beamish.
Mystic Studio originated in a small fishing village in Matagorda, TX in 2001. It was the dream project of Joni, and started out as a small clay studio in an old gas station. It wasn’t long until Joni noticed faces occasionally peering into the front window; then one day a couple of women out for a walk ventured in and said, we love this stuff can we buy some? The rest is history. Mystic Studio relocated to Denison, Texas in 2007 where is grew to fit a 9,000 sq. space.
Joni bought an old warehouse at the corner of Main and Houston Street in the downtown Denison. She renovated the building into a huge gallery, studio and loft apartment. For many years people came to enjoy the unique and very eclectic collection of pottery, paintings, assemblages, and just cool stuff that could keep someone wondering around for hours. There was a certain aura to the space that brought intrigue and smiles to anyone that walked through the front door.
Mystic Studio & Gallery has now reopened in a new historic building in Downtown Sherman located at 104 W Mulberry, corner of Travis & Mulberry. If you missed it the first time, the charm and wonder of Mystic Studio is back.
Joni’s work is moving, challenging, and alluring. Joni draws motivation and inspiration for her pottery from nature and extensive travel throughout the world. Ideas emerge as her work is in progress; many times the piece takes an unplanned but exciting new twist. The result is a unique study with fluid lines, contrasting textures, and an infusion of earthly colors. Over the years Joni has developed her own style incorporating highly textured, multi layered surfaces, patterns, unique glazes, and stains. Joni’s art is a reaction to her driving passion for self-expression, drawing meaning through objects that speak to her. She embraces her good fortune and eclectic path by creating art that has the potential to engage on an intimate and personal level. Joni regards being an artist as an extraordinary privilege.
Joni has a very creative eye for putting found objects, old wood, rusty metal pieces, ceramic pieces, and a little of this and that into works of art that can be mesmerizing. She is definitely inspired by the unusual, and then on the other hand she paints beautiful landscapes and women with angelic faces. Her studio space is open to anyone coming in the gallery, it can be very interesting to see all the different types of work in progress. Mystic Studio is a place to come and be inspired.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Struggles along the way for any artist is the balance of making art that sells without making art to sell. You have to keep true to who you are and not try to make art that you think people will buy. Having the confidence in yourself to ignore the pressure of knowing your rent is due tomorrow, but keep working, and knowing the possibility of someone calling or walking in and buying something will happen. When I look back over 20 years and think I survived on selling art and made it, still kinds of wows me.
Please tell us about Mystic Studio.
My collectors still love my hand built vessels. What sets them apart is the glazes that I make in house, the way I apply the glazes and the unique texture on the bottom of each piece. What I am most proud of is that people still love my pieces and want more. I regard this journey as an extraordinary privilege.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over I probably would not do anything differently. Since I have never been a planner, I have learned by jumping in and getting my hands dirty. That is what I have done from day one, and mistakes have always become something beyond my expectations and wildest dreams.
Contact Info:
- Address: 104 W Mulberry
Sherman, Tx 75092 - Website: jonibeamish.com
- Phone: 903-327-8246
- Email: jgbeamish@yahoo.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
