At the age of 23 (1983), Joy Bell opened an art gallery on Ponsonby Road in Auckland, promoting young/emerging artists. The smattering of antiques eventually became more profitable than the art, and she became an antique dealer for 12 years. Her personal collection of Art Nouveau/Victoriana has heavily influenced her artistic aesthetic.

Thirty years ago Joy moved west of Woodcocks Rd in Warkworth, accompanied with 80 boxes of old shop stock. Using china, tile and glass objects, she mosaiced her garden sculptures/ home / studio and the amazing glass conservatory. This attracted the attention of local papers, bus tours, House & Garden magazine (2013 and 2023) and Rodney District Council. This resulted in many years of large scale public art commissions, which showcased the various regions heritage and culture.

Meanwhile, Joy co-authored a mosaic book and travelled to the USA/Europe attending and conducting workshops at International mosaic conventions. Since completing the Warkworth Clock Tower (2013), she has spent a decade creating two very meaningful / heartfelt stillborn sanctuaries at Waikumete and Purewa Cemeteries.

Now moving on from mosaics, Joy explores sculpting in clay, casting in oxide coloured cement and rug hooking / felting. The fleeces, skins and taxidermy candidates are locally sourced (not usually utilised by the farmers). Joy values these organic donations which she recycles into her art. Common themes are her love for birds, dogs and nature. Her passions show no bounds.