A story of resilience, healing, and self-discovery

In the serene town of Airdrie, Alberta, where the expansive sky meets the gentle hum of daily life, Josie Hoisington crafts art that transcends the canvas, offering a glimpse into a deeply personal and transformative journey. The name Josie Hoisington Artnow symbolizes more than just watercolor and mixed media pieces; it represents a story of resilience, healing, and self-discovery.

Josie's artistic journey began in the quiet corners of her childhood bedroom, where she would lose herself in drawing and projects. Yet, as life unfolded with marriage and motherhood, her art practice faded into the background. It wasn't until a personal loss that Josie's relationship with art was rekindled. In 2014, when her mother fell ill, Josie turned to art as a means of coping. The mixed media creations she dabbled in at that time were a lifeline during her mother's battle with cancer. After her mother's passing in 2015, art became Josie's sanctuary—a way to stay connected to her, as if her biggest fan was still cheering her on from the other side.

In 2020, Josie faced another life challenge—a major foot surgery that would confine her to a chair for 12 weeks. Rather than seeing this as a setback, she embraced it as an opportunity to explore watercolor painting. This new medium quickly captured her heart. "Watercolors became my 'creative self-care' time," Josie shares. Painting daily, she found a new rhythm and a deeper connection to her creative spirit.

Among her favourite works are her “Balanced Rocks”series. These pieces resonate deeply with Josie, symbolizing the equilibrium she strives to create in her life. “Balance is something I intentionally create,” she explains, “and in that, I find beauty and unexpected moments.”

Each painting reflects her journey of self-awareness, inviting viewers to pause, breathe, and appreciate the present moment.

Josie’s path has not been without obstacles. The biggest challenge she faced was overcoming her own self-doubt. As a child, art was her identity, but as an adult, she struggled to see its value and potential. It was only recently that she began to push past these internal barriers. A turning point came when she decided to submit her artwork to The Naked Leaf, a local store in Calgary seeking artists for their tea tins. Despite her fear, she took the leap, and her piece was selected. This small victory provided a significant boost to her confidence and opened doors to new opportunities, including her first art show.

For Josie, being a small business owner and artist is deeply personal. It’s about sharing a piece of herself with the world and finding meaning in the connections her art inspires. “This journey means that my experiences and emotions can resonate with others, making them feel seen and understood,” she reflects. If she could offer advice to someone starting out in the art world, it would be simple yet profound: “JUST DO IT! Don’t overthink it. Ask questions, make connections, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone.” Josie emphasizes the importance of embracing mistakes and learning from them, as well as the value of building relationships within the art community.

Looking to the future, Josie is excited about participating in upcoming art shows and markets. She’s particularly looking forward to the autumn market hosted by Kensington Art Supply in Calgary and a holiday market with the local Airdrie Boys & Girls Club. Her ultimate goal is to take part in the Calgary and Area Artists Tour in May 2025. Additionally, she envisions creating events that encourage others to explore their own creative processes and hopes to build a website to showcase her art and explore licensing opportunities.

To support her work, please click here. You will find her social media channles and online shop