My artist signature is “JOY!”
Since 2019, I have signed my art “JOY!” Often people will come into my art booth, and see the “JOY!” signature on every painting so they ask, “Is your name Joy?” I happily respond, “My name is Krystal, but I paint with a spirit of joy.” Since 2008, when I started selling my artwork, the most common response I get when people view my art is, “It’s so joyful, it just makes me smile.” Signing my work “JOY!” started with the story of this butterfly painting.
“Rainbow Butterfly” by Krystal Bilberry
In 2019 I lost my grandmother, I was heartbroken. We were very close and we had a butterfly connection (read at the end for that story). The week after she passed away I decided to paint a butterfly in honor of her. I turned on the song “High Above” by India Arie and put my paintbrush to the canvas. I wept and wept for the 20 minutes it took me to paint this sweet 11x14 butterfly. When finished, I stepped back and looked upon the butterfly radiating joy before me and I wept again. That night I decided to sign the canvas “JOY!” because signing with my name didn’t fit the energy of the moment. No matter how I feel when I’m painting joy is what will always come out.
After signing this painting, I kept “JOY!” as my official mark. There have been times where I’ve tried out another signature, and for larger commissions I may sign “Krystal!” No matter what, every painting and print are signed with my name on the back.
Prints of this painting are available in two sizes in my Etsy shop. Of course, it’s my most popular item of them all.
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The butterfly connection with my grandmother:
When I was in elementary school, I went on a field trip to Colonial Williamsburg. My grandparents were taking care of us at that time and my grandmother gave me $40 to buy something on the trip. The day of that trip was on her birthday, so when my class visited the Colonial Williamsburg gift shop I bought her a gold butterfly charm. When I came home that night I presented her with the butterfly charm and she responded, “Krystal, you were supposed to buy something for yourself!” I replied, “But Granny, it’s your birthday so I got this for you instead.” She wore that butterfly charm on a necklace everyday for as long as I can remember. After she passed away my grandfather gave it to me and now I wear it everyday on the same necklace she wore. I see so many butterflies when I need reassurance or encouragement and I know it’s her spirit with me. I love that she’s a part of what led to my “JOY!” signature. Not to mention, she’s the inspiration behind my best selling print.
I meet so many people with a sentimental stories about butterflies. Do you have one? Share in the comments.
-Krystal
Artist who signs her work JOY!
