We recently connected with Joel Stevenson and have shared our conversation below.

Joel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I have been working as a sculptor for around 15 years. For about the last ten years I would occasionally sit down with a set of oil pastels and play. About a year ago I began in earnest to develop my 2D skills using the oil pastels to explore abstract art and allowing colors and ideas to flow. Several months ago I decided to submit my oil pastel paintings to a local co-op gallery seeking the opportunity to show them. I was asked to meet with the membership committee and jury review where I received good feedback. About a week later I received a call and invitation to join the gallery and begin showing my oil pastel paintings there. If I hadn’t taken the risk of contacting the gallery and meeting with the membership committee to show and discuss my work, I would not now have been given the opportunity to join this prestigious group and show my work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I began my advanced art education in photography attending the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree before moving on to the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington to complete my Master of Fine Art. I have always considered myself a mixed-media artist, exploring different ways and mediums to realize artistic expression.

Following my education, I entered the work force with a regular job and always kept my hand in the arts, producing and showing whenever possible. Around 15 years ago I began working in sculpture, producing free-standing wooden pieces and shortly after this I also began again exploring 2D work through abstract oil pastel painting.

I consider myself and observer and documenter. Daily we move through life engaging in multiple interactions with people, places, and objects. Our dances through these daily dilemmas leave their mark on us and influence how we see and function. In my abstract work I try to document this motion, movement, and flow that describes who we are.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think there are two very rewarding aspects of being a creative individual. The first is seeing your work in a show. It’s rewarding being in the show but most of all the experience gives me the opportunity to step back and gain some distance from the work, look at it with a different set of eyes. What do I see? What worked or didn’t? What will I do differently in the next piece. What does this work say to me and where does this work lead me?

Second is talking to others about your work, this generally happens at a show of sale. What do they see? What do they like of dislike? Can they express what they are feeling about the work. Is there something in the work that they connect with?

Being able to create a work of art, to see things, feel things, and express yourself without speaking or writing what you want to say, to allow these ideas come from within you is an incredibly powerful experience.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

As a creative person, I think one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is the support of other creative people. I had a lot of support during my education and then when you’re out of school you have to work to continue to find those support groups. Surround yourself with creatives, join as many art groups as you can and discuss all aspects of the art field. Not only discussions about your work or theirs but also marketing tips, business tips, other groups they belong to or receive support from. How do they promote their work, how do they use social media? Any information you can glean is valuable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://JoelStevensonArtist.com
• Instagram: https://Joel.Stevenson.Artist