Interviewer: Can you tell us a bit more about your medium and how it all started for you?
Joel: I am currently working with Digital graphics and Pixel art. Prior to honing in on my medium, I experimented with lots of other methods: spray painting, drawing with oil pastels, pencils, painting, and charcoal.
I started drawing as soon as my hand could hold a pencil. I would draw images from my imagination and even replicate an existing piece with my own personal touch, my own twist. I vividly remember times from my childhood when I would sit in the car and admire the walls we passed. They were covered with huge words in different styles and colors. I was intrigued. Variety of colors is something I still mess with today; I find myself using them when I need inspiration and just want to test the waters once again.
I shifted into the digital world when I decided to pursue my degree in Graphic Design. I am focused on mastering my ability to create art with programs such as Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop.
Interviewer: Wow! It seems like you knew this was for you since a very young age. I am happy you got to explore different paths of art. What kept you going? Was it the end result of a piece, or a feeling it might have sparked along the way?
Joel: Practicing my craft brought me lots of benefits. It instantly relieved my stress and anxiety. Foster Care brought up a lot of emotions for me and I couldn’t talk to just anyone about it. My medium has allowed me to express myself and share all emotions and feelings through my pieces. My creative juices literally spilled out in my art along with my trauma and troubles. Every time I started a painting, I slowly came out of my worries. I felt like a new person and I loved the feeling. Stress and my current difficulties vanished with every minute I spent on my piece.
Interviewer: It is so moving to hear that creating allowed you a place to spill your emotions. Did you always know this was possible through practicing your craft?
Joel: I enjoyed creating but didn't really recognize it's power until later on. I vividly remember one of my group homes hosting an art therapy session. In these workshops, I created some of my most valued art pieces. Through each piece I could track my growth and progress. I was impressed with myself. I practiced drawing and painting all throughout my time in Foster Care, especially after recognizing it was not only a passion of mine, but my calling. I started to experiment outside of pencil drawings and quickly learned I had a true talent and could do anything I dedicated my mind and time to. The art therapy sessions provided by my group home were the kick-off to my journey in the arts.
Interviewer: I am happy to hear these therapy art sessions were helpful for you and allowed you to see the true value of your pieces. Why do you think it's important to have such spaces for all youth growing up in foster care?
Joel: These sessions and spaces are important beyond pursuing a career path in the arts. They give youth a place to think and create outside of their hardships. Youth can express themselves in a creative way and learn new things about themselves. They can grow outside of their ties to foster care. The arts can really change things for a person.
Interviewer: You are very aware of the healing benefits art has on our community. Can you speak more on your healing journey and how that's been for you?
Joel: Healing means learning, growing, and breaking barriers from the past. Art has allowed me to grow and learn through the exploration and use of different mediums. This has allowed me to open doors I never thought would open. I never knew I could use my talents to give back and support the youth who are going through rough obstacles.
Colors have been a huge part of my healing journey. Bright colors helped me focus on what makes me happy and excited. Just like you and I, they give off their own emotions. When I use such colors, I am instantly in a better mood. This ties to my inner peace as well. There’s so much more to life than darkness. There is light. Playing with colors always takes me back to my childhood. I remember studying art curiously. It was beautiful to me. I always asked myself, “how did they do that?” It was truly a stress-free time. Now I’m on the other side of this scenario, creating my own art and sparking the same curiosity in both children and adults. Their jaws always drop when they see my art.
Interviewer: You said you are now on the other side, meaning you overcame a lot of your traumas. Can you tell us a bit more about how art jumped in to help you through difficult times?
Joel: When I first entered the system, I wasn’t sure how I would tell people. How would people take it? Did they know what group homes were? What about foster homes? I feared no one would understand my reality. I was in a system that removed me out of hardships and abuse. I was no longer around my people, my roots, my family. There were a few people who I trusted and could share such details with. I didn’t feel comfortable telling just anyone. Art helped me express what I have been through. Art has put me in spaces to advocate and reflect on my time in the system. Foster care is a part of my identity and passion. Thanks to art, I can continue to express and advocate for the youth who are a part of the system.
Interviewer: Your work is truly impressive! I would love to know more about your process and maybe what inspires you?
Joel: Honestly, the most exciting part of my medium is the fact that there is no right answer. You can drive in any direction. Your project is a translation of you and no one can tell you it’s wrong. Another thing that excites me is the flexibility. There are times when I am in the middle of one project, I might be creating a character of some sort, and during the process, another idea comes up! I can walk away from this and start on my other idea while it’s fresh.
A lot of my inspiration comes from other artists. I sometimes write down ideas that pop in my head, and then revisit them when I have something that compliments it. Other days, I go with the flow and use my emotions to drive my creation.
Interviewer: I admire how you recognize the importance of every idea and continuously revisit your pieces until their final stages. I am so excited to see what you create next! How do you plan to continue to utilize your art to help others?
Joel: This has actually been on mind. My art started based on creative thought. After I collaborated and advocated for foster youth, my intention changed. Art wasn’t just about me and how I felt. It was so much more. It serves as a canvas where I could share a message with youth who are growing up in the same system I survived. I want to use my talent for so much more than just creating art that looks nice to the eyes. I want to speak volumes, create change, and make others happy.
I want to create work that shows youth they are not alone. My work is for everyone. Background, skin color, age, etc. don’t matter. The underlying message is as follows: You are not alone, We are not alone. We are all human and should support one another. Foster youth are not seen, and I would love to make sure we are. My art is my way to put us out there.
Interviewer: I like that your process is inclusive and stresses the importance of being seen, especially as foster youth. This interview is definitely going to inspire many. Do you have any last advice you would like to share with aspiring artists?
Joel: I would say go for it. Take a chance and create something you never thought you could. Experimentation can show you art is truly something for everyone. You can use it to express yourself. It can also be a beneficial coping mechanism. It is truly healing.
