Joyce Croft is creative problem-solver with a love for good design, handmade crafts, and all things nerdy. Equally passionate about being a little silly, because the best ideas often come with a sense of play.
Pronouns: she/her
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
Problem-solving and meeting people. That’s actually 2 things and they are kind of opposites. The first thing, problem-solving, is something I do in my brain. It’s internal. And the second thing, meeting people, is external, it’s being social. It’s a good balance.
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
I’m not exactly sure what my first memory of being creative is, but my mom loves to tell this story. When I was 3 years old, I somehow managed to get chewing gum stuck in my bangs. Instead of asking for help, I decided to fix the problem myself. I found a pair of scissors, climbed up on the toilet so I could see into the bathroom mirror, and carefully cut the gum out, along with a good chunk of my hair. My bangs ended up short, and uneven. My mom didn’t discover what happened until my brother told her I’d cut my own hair because of the gum. Back then, she was shocked. But now, when she looks back on it, she says proudly, “You’re a problem solver.”
What is your biggest regret?
Not living in NYC after college. Now that I am older, less tolerant of cold weather, and have settled in California, a move across country is probably not going to happen.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
I make art. I take all those emotions, find a metaphor to capture it, and use some kind of tactile medium to express it. I work with a lot of textiles. I love to manipulate material–tearing and stitching, ripping and mending, pulling it apart and piecing it back together–the process of repairing, and making something stronger is a major theme.
What makes you cry?
The grief that comes from remembering the day I was at my dad’s bedside when he passed.
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
Depends. The longer and more work I put into something, that feeling of joy can last a week, maybe more. If it’s a small accomplishment–something that I didn’t invest a lot of time into–it can last a day or two.
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
Yes, I believe that we all reunite for one big party. We are surrounded by our loved ones, and smiling and laughing and having good times together.
What do you hate most about yourself?
I hate my addiction to bad TV. I watch a lot of really bad reality TV. But it turns my brain off and I can sleep. Going to the movies is an expensive nap for me.
What do you love most about yourself?
I love my ability to win over others. I can find ways to woo people very quickly. This helps create connections and build relationships.
What is your absolute favorite meal?
Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey (thigh for me, please), mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing… I love it all. Followed by many, many desserts. Pies, donuts, cookies… Sugar is my favorite food group. And best of all, it’s a meal shared with others!
The post What Matters to Joyce Croft appeared first on PRINT Magazine.