We had the good fortune of connecting with Joan Reid and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After being in public school teaching for over 35 years, I decided to use my studio to continue teaching. I didn’t realize I would do as well teaching and having clients, as I have. I enjoy part time work and volunteering to help people learn about their abilities. I find that I am very busy with more flexible time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I received a BFA in Illustration and BS in Art Education from Moore College of Art. After working as an Illustrator and in Advertising in Philadelphia, I moved back to my hometown to teach Art and raise a family. My graduate work was done through the SUNY schools. In the beginning of my teaching career, I taught 900 Elementary school children each week. I eventually moved to Junior High and then High School. I found myself writing curriculum and creating classes that I thought were necessary to help teach children and adults with a variety of learning skills and differences. I’ve taught in public schools, at the local College, offered many workshops, taught at national conventions, and been a guest speaker for conferences. When art programs were being cut, I had to make a job for myself. Before schools had computers in every room, I convinced the school to let me create a computer class for children. That position led to becoming the first teacher in NY State to be tenured in Computers. Later, I wrote curriculum to redo Art programs in schools, and taught art and computer graphics.
In my studio I now teach classes in Art, and alternative healing, have meditation gatherings, and create my own artwork. My artwork is diverse including oil paintings, pastel paintings, monotypes, and drawings which I regularly have in galleries and have won awards.
I also have private clients as well as group classes. I’ve become sensitive to people’s energy and help people learn about their own abilities through observation and intuition. Some of my artwork now reflects the energy in people and places, in addition to some of my personal artwork being realistic.

Some people don’t know that I was born legally blind, didn’t learn to read until I was in High school. In my 30’s I was immobilized physically with a debilitating disease. I was told I would always be in pain and never get rid of this disease. I am now pain-free having taken as many alternative healing classes as possible in a variety of modalities, became a clinical hypnotherapist, and for 14 years taught Aerobic exercise. Originally, I wanted to be a doctor like my father. Because of my eyes, my parents said that they didn’t think I could do it. My mother was an amazing artist. I loved art and was encouraged by my parents to go into art instead of medicine. I am grateful to have actually had experiences in both art and in healing arts.

Lessons I learned include never giving up, staying positive, and manifesting the life you want.
I feel grateful for my life,

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live near Lake George and own a boat with my brother. I would take my friend out on our beautiful lake. My best friends are either artists, or healers. We would be creating art out on an island, or we would be visiting our local galleries and museum if it was raining. Over the years, I have started 5 galleries and been on most of the Boards of our many local art organizations. We would have many people to see, share art info with and see a variety of art. If the person was a healer friend, we might have one of my clinics where we invite people who are in need of relaxing and healing for a free treatment. We have had 3-day gatherings that have had up to 60 people come through to have a free treatment. Many times, helping people with pain or cancer, be pain-free and live longer. We love to do these clinics. It always helps us relax too, so it is a win-win situation. My friends and I have studied many cultures and healing ways. In my travels to Hawaii (16 times), Peru, Bali, Scotland, Japan, Italy, around our country, and through Europe, we always have a lot to share and talk about.
There are so many restaurants in this area, I would ask my friend what kind of food they liked best, and we would eat in a restaurant that has that kind of food.
We would take walks outside in nature, catching up on what we have been doing and where we have traveled. Most of my friends love to travel like I do. There are many wonderful trails around where I live, so exercising, talking with a best friend, and being in Nature is heaven for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My father Dr. Rober Reid, my mother Margaret Reid, and Ed “Kaleolani” Spencer, my Hawaiian Energetics teacher.

Website: www.joanreidhealingarts.com

Youtube: https://transformationtalkradio.com/guest/Joan Reid Hawaiian Wisdom

Image Credits
Joan Reid, I took photos of my artwork.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.