Biography

Joanna Levesley is a self-taught, award-winning contemporary artist based in the United Kingdom, celebrated for her intricate pen and ink works that explore the quiet power and transformation found in nature. Growing up in rural Derbyshire, Joanna developed a deep appreciation for the subtle complexities of the natural world—a perspective that continues to inform her practice today.

The Guardian (at sunrise), 2024, pen and ink on black mounting board, 80cm x 120cm

Inspired by the surreal visions of Salvador Dalí, M.C. Escher and the Art Nouveau movement, Joanna forges her own creative path, unbound by the conventions of formal training. Her art is characterised by meticulous linework, monochrome palettes, and organic forms that blend realism with the fantastical. Each composition invites viewers to pause, look deeper, and engage in a visual conversation that rewards close observation and reflection.

Flower Duet, 2023, pen and ink on paper, 84.1cm x 59.4cm

Joanna’s work often features animals, surreal landscapes, and abstract motifs, all rendered with a sense of movement and harmony. Her distinctive approach manipulates perception and embraces ambiguity, encouraging viewers to question reality and discover meaning beyond the visible. Music is a recurring influence, experienced as a three-dimensional form and translated into rhythmic, flowing lines within her pieces.

Queen's Gambit, 2023, pen and ink with cerulean blue acrylic paint on paper, 59.4cm x 84.1cm

Artist Statement

My practice is rooted in a fascination with the quiet complexities of the natural world and the transformative power of observation. Working primarily in pen and ink, I create intricate, monochrome compositions that blend organic linework with surreal, abstract forms. Each piece is an invitation to pause, look deeper, and discover new layers of meaning—rewarding close attention with subtle details and unexpected connections.

Killing Time, 2023, pen and ink on paper, 84.1cm x 59.4cm

Influenced by the surreal visions of Dalí, Escher and the Art Nouveau movement, I seek to move beyond the boundaries of realism, forging a visual language that explores ambiguity, movement, and transformation. My work often withholds complete structure, encouraging viewers to question what is seen and to engage in a visual conversation that extends beyond the surface.

Eagle Eyed, 2024, pen and ink on paper, 21cm x 29.7cm

Music is a recurring influence in my process, experienced as a three-dimensional form and translated into rhythmic, flowing lines. Through my art, I aim to spark reflection and dialogue, offering a space for contemplation and wonder. Ultimately, I believe art should be more than decoration—it should be a catalyst for transformation, inviting us to see the world, and ourselves, anew.

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