Mary Joy Buenaventura Go, a Filipino artist born in 1989, finds inspiration in her roles as a jeweler, homeschooling mom, and wife. She graduated cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas in 2011 with a degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Painting, and was recognized for her outstanding thesis.

After a 13-year break, Joy returned to painting in early 2024. Invited by a schoolmate to join an exhibit, she intended to try it just once, but it turned out to be the perfect time to follow her passion again and continue joining group exhibits.

Joy creates oil paintings based on her own photo compositions of gems, dried flowers, and leaves, often gathered from travels, meaningful moments, or given by her son, and accented with 23K gold leaf. She uses dried flowers and leaves as symbols of new beginnings and hope, showing that beauty and purpose can emerge from what was once forgotten.

Her art reflects the strength we gain from life’s challenges—just as pressure creates diamonds. It serves as a reminder to always look on the bright side of life and not let difficulties dim our shine. Through her work, she proudly represents Meycauayan, the jewelry capital of the Philippines.