Artists We Love: Jozelle McClea

INTERVIEWED BY Michaela Stehr PHOTOS Supplied

Colour, music and nature are all things that translate into Cape Town-based artist Jozelle McClea‘s vibrant paintings. She gives us some insight into how her style and passion have developed over the years.

Tell us about your journey into art.

I was always creative as a youngster. From winning local art competitions as young as 5 years old, I never knew that I would go full circle nearly at 40! I studied art in school and as a subject, I loved it and exceeded in it. My mom and I joined art classes during my high school years which gave me more exposure to the world of art. I didn’t ever feel like studying art, but still stayed with something creative. I enrolled in a private school in Pretoria, Open Window, where I completed my Bachelor’s degree in 2010 and applied for an agency job in Dubai. I loved it but it was too restricted and demanding for my free-flowing creative soul. I have freelanced since 2012 and started painting as a side hustle just before covid hit. I haven’t looked back since I picked up the paintbrush… full circle!

How would you describe your work?

My work is layered, colourful and has lots of rhythm. Paint is already a layered medium, which creates interesting textures where movement and rhythm are seen and felt. My work is a story of growth, passion for life and happiness. It sparks a smile and conversation. No one can put a price on when someone walks past my work and says ‘Wow, how happy and colourful’ and walks off with a smile for the day.

What mediums do you use?

I mainly use acrylic paint on stretch canvas, occasionally I use spray paint, liners, pencil and oil paint in my work. I usually paint on a stretch canvas and occasionally work on paper.

Do you prefer commissions or your own pieces?

I can do both, but I prefer doing my own work in my own time. It feels more authentic in a way, with no restrictions or guides to follow.

What are your thoughts on collaboration?

I LOVE a good collab! I am always keen to put creative forces together and to create even bigger ideas. It’s pure magic!

What does a typical day look like for you?

It changes quite often! I recently moved into a new studio space in Woodstock (CT) and had to create a new routine for my days. My typical day starts with doing mom things, getting my 5-year-old to school, fitting in my new exercise and self-care routine and having a small breakfast at home. I go to the studio around 9/10 am – with the hopes of avoiding traffic from the South going to town as I drive from Muizenberg. First thing in the mornings at the studio I sit on my Mac and work on design projects, emails, and planning for the week/month, I am also going through a major life change and love to sit with my thoughts in the mornings, journaling and finding out more about my journey on this planet, what I want and what important to me right now. It’s amazing how I see small synchronicities during my days and weeks falling into place. I try to start getting creative and paint later in the afternoon which can lead into the evenings depending on how I feel. It is so great having a space outside of the home because when I commute back home it’s relax time – that said my brain never switches off!

How do you decide on your use of colour?

One word – unexpected. I try to push the boundaries of colour combinations. I experiment with how one colour can complement the next. My work is also very VERY colourful and the colour brings in a joyful and playful energy. Colour is a huge part of my work.

What inspires your pieces? Do you go by a general theme or whatever tickles your fancy?

I go with the flow, whatever comes to mind. But there seems to be a general theme of ‘flowers’ and line work in my art, that I take now as my style and go with. Inspiration hits when I’m in a happy place, content with life. Inspiration comes from music (my space is hardly ever in silence when painting), being surrounded by creativity and nature also plays a huge influence. I also get subconsciously influenced by what’s currently trending in interiors, fashion, textiles and colours that I love as a collective always seem to creep into my paintings.

Plans for the future?

I would love to move into the interior world (textiles and furniture collabs and covering) and the fashion world – I have recently launched raincoats that I am super excited about! (It’s my first clothing product with my art as a print). I am exploring painting bigger pieces, pushing boundaries, exploring the international market and entering France and Hong Kong in the future. I am also working on my first solo show, coming up this October with Daor Contemporary Gallery. A new season is ahead. I’m looking forward to making new connections, collaborations and exploring new grounds.

See more of her work on her Instagram, here.

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