Artist profile: Joy Ben Hur, Filmmaker and Content Creator
My name’s Joy and I’m a content creator and filmmaker who aims to inspire people to be their most authentic selves. Through short films, vlogs, photography, meaningful conversations and wearable garments, I want to help others feel supported, understood, inspired and uplifted as the unique individuals they are.
Why and when did you start your creative journey?
Like most people when they’re young, creativity came quite naturally to me. I was always writing stories, creating scripts, doing photoshoots with my friends and forcing my family to watch my ‘one-woman’ shows. It was only when I stepped into my teen years and lost all that, that I realised how much I needed creativity. At the age of thirteen, I had a conversation with my mum that changed my life forever. I remember pacing up and down our living room repeating the mantra, “there’s nothing to do!” I felt as if I had a ball of energy bouncing around inside me that would eventually combust if I didn’t let it out. Dramatic, but true. My mum’s reply was simple: “you have to CREATE something to do.” It was from that moment on that I always made sure I had a creative project in my life – somewhere where I could channel my energy and give my emotions purpose. I decided that if I ever wanted something again, whether it be an opportunity, experience or even a connection, I would be the one to CREATE it.
Can you describe the emotion of your art?
The emotion that inspires and drives all my art is joy… fitting, I know. The way I see it, joy is a state of being. The sweet spot that allows you to find beauty and acceptance in both the highs and lows of the human experience. It’s not about being happy, but rather at peace with the understanding that the obstacles in our lives are needed for us to grow into the people we are meant to be. I believe in creating art that shows the duality we experience every day and reflecting the beauty in even the uncomfortable parts of being human.
How has creative expression allowed you to survive/thrive?
For me, creativity is a way in which I can express myself and process my emotions. It gives me purpose and allows me to see life from a completely new perspective. What most people see as an ordinary phone box, I see as a potential shoot location. Creativity pushes me to see beyond what is and look to what could be. It reminds me to live my life with an open mind and heart so I can create meaningful and authentic art that resonates with those around me. It gives me the strength to push through even the hardest times and rejoice in the good.
How do you get into your creative workflow?
While some days I feel like I can create better than I can breathe, other days getting a good idea feels as hard as finding a four-leaf clover. On those days, I like to take a step back and allow myself to indulge in other people’s work. I find that it’s when I let go and allow myself to just enjoy and be inspired that my creative juices start flowing again. Things like meditation, journaling and even getting coffee with a friend I know I can effortlessly be myself with, leaves me feeling more aligned with my values and inspired to create. Another thing I find helps me when I’m stuck is to create with no ego or intention to share. Sometimes all it takes is drawing stick figures and making lame edits for there to be a lightbulb moment.
What do you hope the observer/ listener absorbs from your art?
I always hope that my art allows people to feel less alone in their experiences and more inspired to be their authentic selves. I always create with the intention to bring value and joy into other peoples’ lives in whatever way I feel would have benefitted me. My favourite creators are those that are not trying to be anyone but themselves and therefore give permission for the viewer to do the same. If I can make someone feel more comfortable and inspired to shine as who they are, I’ve done my job.
