Venue Cincinnati is thrilled to announce the winner of the 2022 William W. Duebber award, Josie Kirby.
A Cincinnati native and local abstract artist, her work was chosen at the Art Comes Alive event by ADC Fine Art. This award is given to a local artist by Venue’s Kim Wanamaker, in honor of her artist father.
Art Comes Alive is an event that focuses on helping artists get their work displayed and purchased by professionals, art galleries, art collectors, and corporations. This year, over $400,000 in awards were granted to artists.
“It felt as if I immediately entered a dream state, not even sure how my legs carried me up to the stage,” Kirby says. “To have the honor of being part of something so wonderful is truly humbling. I am grateful beyond words and will absolutely find a way to pay it forward.”
Kirby, who refers to herself as a Cincinnati “lifer,” was born and raised in Westwood. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) and the School of Fine Art with an emphasis in painting.
Kirby’s inspiration in her art comes from seashells. “I find the ocean to be rejuvenating, calming, meditative, mysterious and majestic,” Kirby says. “Shells are a physical representation of that feeling, and I have been collecting them for as long as I remember.”
Many of Kirby’s shells come from St. Pete Beach, Florida, where she vacations annually with her family. “My kids always help me find the ‘perfect’ shells. They completely know my taste — the uglier the better!”
Kirby’s mediums in her art include acrylic, gesso, graphite, and acrylic markers. “I love incorporating lines into my work, mixing the qualities of drawing with both fluid and thickly layered paint. I especially enjoy adding different textures, sheens, and translucencies in my paintings, playing with soft versus hard edges.”
Kirby couldn’t do it without her family. “The support of my family is invaluable. Even though they may not understand my artistic desires or ventures, they are very gracious and encouraging — especially my children,” Kirby says.
Currently, Kirby’s art is displayed at Cincinnati Art Galleries and ADC Fine Art. She is also open to commissions. When she’s not painting, Kirby works at Collector’s Art Group, a small art restoration and framing business located in Downtown Cincinnati.
“I create art because it’s part of who I am,” Kirby says. “My abstracts are meant to be beautiful because shells make me smile. I desire to share that beauty and happiness with others.”
To see more of Josie Kirby’s work, visit josiekirbyart.com or on Instagram @jkirbystudio.