Maureen and Greg Fownes are the creative forces behind Joy and Fury, blending their unique styles into a shared artistic journey. Inspired by the ocean’s rhythm and Nova Scotia’s natural beauty, Maureen’s love for a diverse range of materials – from acrylic paints to coloured pencils and clay – bring her paintings, illustrations and sculptures to life. Greg’s bold, energetic creations draw from his love of comics, action movies, and video games, bringing a vibrant energy to his art.
Back in March, I connected with Maureen and Greg through Strategic Arts Management and we hit it off straight away. They were looking for some ideas for how they could improve their business, generate more interest in their brand, and ultimately increase sales. They also wanted to improve their social media presence, increase traffic to their website, and apply to grants that would be appropriate, plus learn ways to improve how they operate so they can continue to grow.
With a lot to talk about on the table, we first did an assessment of their current situation. We looked at what their strengths and weaknesses were, and the opportunities they wanted to explore. From there, we came up with some goals, created a game plan, and prioritised their tasks for the next month. We decided the best way to work together would be to do a mentorship, where we check in every four weeks or so to chat about their progress.
After only three months, Maureen and Greg have a packed schedule for spring and summer craft fairs, markets, and events to attend, plus a highly-anticipated holiday season. Their business has gone through some serious growth and they are well on their way to establishing their presence in the minds and people here at home, and wherever their art may take them.
