Joy’s inspiration for her paintings is derived from her knowledge of Awely and the ceremonies associated with it. Awely refers to the ceremonial world of women, women’s social structure and ritual knowledge and is commonly known as women’s business. It also includes women’s ceremonial body designs.

Joy Kngwarreye Jones became a painter as she embarked upon her ritual education. She learnt about Awely designs while painting on the bodies of women about to take part in a ceremony. The many striped designs painted on the upper torsos of ceremonial dancers are the source of inspiration for her paintings.