

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Okokon.
Hi Joy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my creative journey at a young age, assisting my mother in her catering business in Nigeria. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for baking and cake decorating. At just 8 years old, I created my very first baked and iced cake, sparking my love for artistic expression.
As the years went by, my mother’s arthritis diagnosis gradually limited her mobility, and I stepped up to assist her in running the business. Taking on this responsibility deepened my connection to the world of artistry and craftsmanship. Eventually, I made the decision to pursue a Master’s of Arts degree in the United States.
Leaving my mother behind, with concerns about her health and the continuity of the business, was a difficult choice. However, it was during this challenging period that I began exploring the creation of wearable sculptures. These sculptures incorporated healing elements for the body and joints, as well as symbolic representations of leaving space.
Although I wasn’t able to send one of these wearable sculptures to my mother at the time, I found recognition for my artistic endeavors. In 2022, I was honored with my piece titled “Wholeness” at the International Sculpture Center, which acknowledged the significance and impact of my work.
Motivated by this achievement, I decided to pursue further education and enrolled in a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program. This decision was driven by my desire to deepen my artistic skills, expand my knowledge, and make a lasting impact in the world of ceramic art.
Through my journey, from assisting my mother’s catering business to creating wearable sculptures and pursuing higher education, I have faced challenges and made sacrifices. However, each step has contributed to my growth as a ceramicist, and I am excited to continue exploring new artistic possibilities and making a meaningful impact in the field of art.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Living away from home and merging my Nigerian background with my current reality in the United States hasn’t been without challenges. I faced homesickness, cultural differences, and language barriers. However, it has been a valuable learning experience that has allowed me to grow personally and culturally.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Wholeness piece
My work is based on the simple premise that interaction with the material world profoundly shapes our well-being. Drawing on my Nigerian heritage, I use materials such as gemstones, copper, muslin, and ceramics in specific ways to produce healing experiences in people who come into contact with them. When my pieces lay on the skin or sit in the hands, the physical connection is therapeutic. These works celebrate how individual elements can unify into something whole and powerful.
Hair as an expression of lifecycle series
As a Nigerian, I grew up with a deep appreciation for the cultural and social significance of hair braiding among women. It was a tradition that not only brought family and friends together but also symbolized power, beauty, and identity. My interest in hair-making began at a young age, as it was a skill passed down through generations in my family. However, as I grew older and developed my craft, I began to see braiding as much more than just a skill – it was a means of exploring the rich history and roots of Nigerian female hair.
Hair has always held a special place in Nigerian culture. It has been used as a tool for communication, both between humans and the spiritual world, and as a means of expressing one’s age, religion, wealth, and status. During the era of slavery, certain hairstyles were used as maps for escape from slave masters, making hair an even more powerful symbol of liberation and resistance.
In my artistic practice, I seek to honor and preserve the significance of hair in Nigerian culture and history. I create ceramic sculptures that depict the female body and head, utilizing coiling and pinching techniques to create intricate braiding patterns. Through the use of terracotta clay, glazes, wooden beads, cowries and brass combs as hair accessories, I convey a sense of celebration, identity, and status.
My goal is to create a space for reflection and celebration of African womanhood, and to shed light on the many ways in which hair can express culture, history, and identity. Hair braiding is not just a skill or a tradition – it is a powerful means of communication and self-expression, and I am honored to carry on this rich legacy through my artwork.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating a space for reflection and celebration of African womanhood through my art. I aim to emphasize the significance of hair as a powerful form of communication and self-expression, showcasing its role in expressing culture, history, and identity. Hair braiding is not just a skill or tradition; it carries a rich legacy that I am honored to continue exploring through my artwork.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: joy_m_okokon
Image Credits
Anton Pleshka