About Me

Who Am I?

My name is Joel, I am a UK artist specialising in pen and pencil drawings. My obsession with art began as a child, as it offered an outlet for me from my terrible home situation. I pursued art throughout secondary school, achieving a grade 9 in GCSE art and an A* in A-level art. Between the ages of 18 to 21, I studied Economics and Business Management at the Univerisity of Southampton.

Who Am I Really?

Throughout my childhood and teenage years, the house I lived in was a warzone. It was full of manipulation and at times it was violent. However, I found an outlet and comfort in art. It distracted me from the chaos going on around me and the pain I was dealing with. I would lock myself in my room and constantly draw. But, despite finding peace in art, as a teenager I felt severely depressed and at times suicidal due to a lot of issues. However, I dreamt of a better future. Therefore, when I turned 18 I decided to move away from the place I grew up in with the hope of becoming successful.

I am my artwork. I would draw almost every day through the pain of my childhood and teenage years. My artwork reflects my life, all the pain and all the happiness. The desire to do better and the belief that one day I will be more successful than everyone who told me otherwise.

What Is My Message?

My message is simple:

I want those who are struggling to know there is always a way to live a better life. My artwork tells that story. The elements of street art show the pain and hardship of life, whilst the elements of hyperrealism often portray luxury and fulfilment. I want viewers to feel inspired when they see my work, and to know that they, too, can rise above their circumstances.

My Style of Art

I primarily work with pen and pencil, using materials like HB pencils, coloured pencils, watercolour brush pens, and biro pens. My style blends street art/graffiti art with hyperrealism, bringing an urban edge to modern artwork. My art has been heavily influenced by hip-hop and urban culture and each piece I draw takes an average of 25 hours to complete.