I'm a husband, a father, an artist and a musician. I enjoy the sunlight and I like to paint pictures too. My paintings are inspired by nature, architecture, progression, dreams, and the world that surrounds me. I always like to experiment with pushing and pulling layers upon layers without taking it too far. Making art is very therapeutic and necessary for me. I'm not sure where I would be without it. Thanks for stopping by. -- joel

I recently did a little interview.. When did you get started with your art? I have been making art my entire life. As a boy, I was always drawing and sketching. Art class was always my favorite. I can remember my elementary school art teacher, Mrs. Garison, framed and hung one of my drawings (tree with colorful background) on a prominent wall near the principal's office. I will never forget that. I later became more interested in art while attending Texas State (San Marcos, TX) in the late 90s. I put art and school on hold in 2000 to focus my efforts on music, while touring the US and Europe with my bands at the time, which I don't regret. I later heavily shifted my efforts back to art, specifically paintings, in 2007 after opening a local art gallery, Austin Art Garage, with my old friend Jake Bryer. I have been a full time artist since 2008 and I am very grateful to be where I am today. It's interesting to see where life takes you. What is your process? I make mixed media paintings, which consist of acrylic paint, oil pastels, pencil, india ink, wood block relief, spray paint, and minimal mixed media collage. I also like to experiment with photographic transfer techniques within layers in certain pieces, but not all. I often have a vision or idea in my head for a painting, but I sometimes just start working on a background if I am not inspired with a specific path. I usually spend a solid day or two on the background alone. I really love experimenting with pushing and pulling layers. After countless hours and layers, the painting will somehow form a life of it's own. This always triggers my thoughts to elaborate and progress with new inspiration and fresh ideas for the next piece. Even though I often have a vision for a painting, it's always interesting to see the end result and where it took me. What kind of reaction does your art stimulate? People have often told me that they connect with my art because it's bold, colorful, textural, and has a sense of familiarity. Who are the five people in history you would like to have a dinner party with? Mike Patton, Pee Wee Herman, Leslie Nielsen, Shel Silverstein, My Dad. What is the legacy you would like to leave with your art? There's something special about creating something by hand from nothing. I would like to think that my collectors proudly display my art on their walls for years to come. I take pride in what I do and I want that to reflect in my paintings.