Joel Penkman was born in New-Zealand, where she did a degree in graphic design at
Canterbury university school in fine art. She then moved to Britain where she has worked as
a graphic designer and most recently a freelance designer and artist. Joel is a contemporary
artist that produces her work using egg-tempera; which is known as very time consuming.
She is also an illustrator that paints on canvas. Joel also grinds her own paint and crafts
gesso boards in which to paint upon, as normal canvas are not rigid enough to take the egg-
tempera paint. Gaining her inspiration by her memories and emotions as well as foods,
produces work that is vibrant, bold, controlled, detailed, accurate, semi-photorealistic,
uplifting and positive. Joel Penkman’s works aims to ‘make people smile’ and makes you feel
hungry. She is successful because she is very detailed within her artwork and she is
accurate; as well as its bright, which brings joy and happiness. Joel paints other subjects, but
her main passion and drive is food. It would be lovely to see different mediums involved
within her work.