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Joy Kinna: Stone and Stream
2025.09.01

Joy Kinna: Stone and Stream

Wrapped in the Tacit Coat, Joy moved between moments of stillness and fluid motion, her gestures echoing the rhythm of her paintings.

In her studio—surrounded by paint, light, and the soft hum of creation—Canadian artist Joy Kinna captured these film portraits while working on her latest body of work, STONE AND STREAM.

I’ve had the joy of knowing her for years, watching her work shift and mature while staying true to its quiet essence: an exploration of beauty in its most natural state—the ocean’s breath, the sky’s expanse, the subtle textures that shape our world.

To see beyond the surface of her abstractions, we sat down with Joy for a conversation on art, process, and the spaces in between.

[ VESTIGE] How do you want people to feel when they experience your work?[ VESTIGE] How do you want people to feel when they experience your work?
[JOY] I want people to feel a sense of peace and wonder. I want the work to speak for itself. I want them to feel something. Anything. To take the time to feel it and explore the work in a world that feels so full.[JOY] I want people to feel a sense of peace and wonder. I want the work to speak for itself. I want them to feel something. Anything. To take the time to feel it and explore the work in a world that feels so full.
[ VESTIGE] Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get into the flow of painting?[ VESTIGE] Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get into the flow of painting?
[JOY] Creating the intention to paint is where it starts for me. Wearing my painting clothes, usually turning on some music, lighting some incense, and a warm drink. These small habits really are a way for me to care for myself and my creativity, allowing me to access that flow state easier.[JOY] Creating the intention to paint is where it starts for me. Wearing my painting clothes, usually turning on some music, lighting some incense, and a warm drink. These small habits really are a way for me to care for myself and my creativity, allowing me to access that flow state easier.
[ VESTIGE] Abstract painting can seem very intuitive—do you plan your pieces, or do they emerge more spontaneously?[ VESTIGE] Abstract painting can seem very intuitive—do you plan your pieces, or do they emerge more spontaneously?
[JOY] A bit of both. The magic happens when both the spontaneous and the carefully planned moments come out on the canvas. I typically start with a loose idea. This could be the colours, composition etc. And then I am monitoring the work as it dries, adding intentional marks, saving the special accidents, etc.[JOY] A bit of both. The magic happens when both the spontaneous and the carefully planned moments come out on the canvas. I typically start with a loose idea. This could be the colours, composition etc. And then I am monitoring the work as it dries, adding intentional marks, saving the special accidents, etc.
[ VESTIGE] Are there particular colours or textures you gravitate toward when choosing clothing?[ VESTIGE] Are there particular colours or textures you gravitate toward when choosing clothing?
[JOY] I typically gravitate to really classic colours. Navy, Black, Grey, Brown. I love anything striped or with a chunky knit texture. I like pairing more bold pieces with more simple ones.[JOY] I typically gravitate to really classic colours. Navy, Black, Grey, Brown. I love anything striped or with a chunky knit texture. I like pairing more bold pieces with more simple ones.
[ VESTIGE] What drew you to the Tacit Coat in the first place?[ VESTIGE] What drew you to the Tacit Coat in the first place?
[JOY] I think first and foremost the colour. I have been loving the rich, deep brown. It feels warm, and classic. The texture and fit is also 10/10. I appreciate its unique silhouette.[JOY] I think first and foremost the colour. I have been loving the rich, deep brown. It feels warm, and classic. The texture and fit is also 10/10. I appreciate its unique silhouette.
[ VESTIGE] How has the Tacit Coat fit into your daily life and creative practice?[ VESTIGE] How has the Tacit Coat fit into your daily life and creative practice?
[JOY] The Tacit Coat has easily slipped into my wardrobe. I have found it to be the perfect addition this winter for school drop off and cold studio mornings. Yet, it is light enough I am thrilled to travel with it and wear it into spring.[JOY] The Tacit Coat has easily slipped into my wardrobe. I have found it to be the perfect addition this winter for school drop off and cold studio mornings. Yet, it is light enough I am thrilled to travel with it and wear it into spring.
[ VESTIGE] Do you have a favourite piece of art you've created that holds special meaning for you?[ VESTIGE] Do you have a favourite piece of art you've created that holds special meaning for you?
[JOY] This is a tough one. I have a new collection that is coming out shortly and it is one of my favourites yet. It feels like an ode to the basics of my practice. Really connecting back into my practice as an artist and someone deeply connected to nature. The piece titled "Stacking Stones" might be my favourite. It is a nod to the meaning rocks hold to me. The ocean was a place I grew up around and collecting rocks is a part of my family's way of connecting. To this day my dad and brothers will bring over[JOY] This is a tough one. I have a new collection that is coming out shortly and it is one of my favourites yet. It feels like an ode to the basics of my practice. Really connecting back into my practice as an artist and someone deeply connected to nature. The piece titled "Stacking Stones" might be my favourite. It is a nod to the meaning rocks hold to me. The ocean was a place I grew up around and collecting rocks is a part of my family's way of connecting. To this day my dad and brothers will bring over
[ VESTIGE] Do you see parallels between the process of creating art and slow fashion?[ VESTIGE] Do you see parallels between the process of creating art and slow fashion?
[JOY] Yes! I have a soft spot for slow fashion and clothing designers. I often feel connected to clothes and special pieces in my wardrobe much like a piece of art. Slow fashion holds so much intention. The intention of the fit, the colour, the material, the workers involved in creating a piece. It feels artful. Elevated.[JOY] Yes! I have a soft spot for slow fashion and clothing designers. I often feel connected to clothes and special pieces in my wardrobe much like a piece of art. Slow fashion holds so much intention. The intention of the fit, the colour, the material, the workers involved in creating a piece. It feels artful. Elevated.
[ VESTIGE] Lastly, where can we see more of your work or support your journey as an artist?[ VESTIGE] Lastly, where can we see more of your work or support your journey as an artist?
[JOY] You can stay up to date with my work on Instagram @joykinna or through my website. Honoured to be featured and thanks for your love and support![JOY] You can stay up to date with my work on Instagram @joykinna or through my website. Honoured to be featured and thanks for your love and support!