Behind the Art – Second in the Series of Joanna Gilbert’s Art Stories

Part 2 -What Came Next

May 2010

This is the second in Joanna's series of blog posts talking about the inspiration behind the art.


This is called “NObama”! When Obama was voted in as president of the USA, I decided to paint him as part of the celebration of a new era. Like many, I was inspired by his charisma, his speeches and his personality. Like many I hoped that he could help us through the troubles of 2009.

NObama - by Joanna Gilbert

I had originally called the piece “Obama Rocks” but when I released my show reel there was such an outcry against him that I gave it a new title.

Now, several months into his presidency, his speeches, his charisma and our hopes have all changed.

“Magic & Sparkle” was a commission developed to celebrate the proposed (now approved) flagship M&S development in Cheshire Oaks.

Magic & Sparkle - by Joanna Gilbert

This will be the company’s biggest store outside London and is being described as the ‘Marble Arch of the North’. Work on the 150,000 sq ft store, which includes a 950-space car park, begins early next year and is due to open in spring, 2012. This was an exciting project for me for one of the UK’s leading names in retail.


“B&Q – New Malden” was a commission for the giant DIY brand in celebration of its most energy efficient store, featuring the largest wind turbine yet installed on a building in the UK.

B & Q New Malden - by Joanna Gilbert

The DIY chain said the 159,000 square foot store in New Malden, South London, would emit 50 per cent less carbon emissions compared with a traditional store of similar size. It will also stock the largest range of green products under B&Q’s One Planet Home brand.


“Painting Peace” is very close to my heart. I get so frustrated about the one sided anti Israel propaganda, saying Israel fired missiles here, and killed Palestinians there, without explaining the whole story. Because we only hear what the news want us to hear, I hoped that my painting would send a message that every day the Israeli soldiers, who fight to protect Israel, pray for peace.

Painting Peace - by Joanna Gilbert

This painting was sold on eBay. I decided to use the concept to create a charity auction, with all proceeds being donated to UK Friends of AWIS (The Association of the Welfare of Israeli Soldiers). The piece has received a lot of positive attention and many have been very moved by the idea of young boy soldiers praying in full uniform at this holy site.

For your own original art work by Joanna Gilbert contact her here: info@joannagilbert.com