Joella Wheatley lives and works in Frome, Somerset after moving from London two years ago. She graduated from the Arts University Bournemouth in 2012 and has exhibited widely around the country. She has featured in several exhibitions at key galleries and museums, including the Herrick Gallery, the Collyer Bristow Gallery, De La Warr Pavilion and in the show The Future Can Wait in collaboration with Saatchi Gallery. She was awarded the Platform Graduate Award by four key contemporary galleries including Turner Contemporary and has been involved with several residencies national and internationally.

Joella’s work creates distinct scenes that are recognisable, yet at the same time explores the imagination. They capture a silent moment, where each work finds its own narrative, whether it’s the artists or the viewers. These moments are still, and consist of quiet thoughts and reflections of the inner mindset, maybe of past happenings or current experiences.

She is particularly interested in how you view a piece of work, breaking narratives up and using the space to create a storyboard as you go around. Drawing the viewer into these works creates an intimate connection, whilst able to relate and wonder.

Her work consists of detailed and complex layers, paint combined with pen, creating a delicate and textured surface, whilst using the grains of the wood as part of the work. Colours are linked to the natural landscape, creating subtle depth with each wash that is used on the natural wood.

Joella Wheatley’s solo show ‘Retreated’ runs until 1st October at Andelli Art and explores the imaginative and metaphorical space of the mindset.