Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Sheldon.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve always had an interest in art and it’s just stayed with me! It most probably started because my mum’s a very good artist so I always had access to her art supplies from a young age. Also my brother paints as well, his style is a lot looser. My brother paints mostly cows whereas my mum is a watercolorist.
I started painted a lot more frequently around about a year ago. I love how you can completely immerse yourself in it for several hours with little thought for anything else, I find it very relaxing. I also kept my work a lot more “undercover” at first, however after posting work on Instagram I’d say I’ve come a lot more confident as an artist due to the reception. I love finding that my work has a small fan base in say Russia or even Italy because of the internet.
I started out with acrylic however I’m so glad I chose to move to work oil paint. It means I can create such strong textures within my work. As an artist I’d say my main strength is texture, I also try as much as I can in my work to keep it as simple as possible.
Because of the type of thing I paint I’m always also on the hunt for interesting tools and textures!
Please tell us about your art.
I work in oil paint mostly. I also mostly use a pallet knife instead of brushes. I love how the two together can create such strong textures within my work.
I also try to make my work as simple and as straight forward as physically possible. I aim to keep the structure basic and make the work standout due to texture. An example would be some of the hammers I paint, the hammer shape isn’t to complex, but I love spending however working texture into them. The effect does in my opinion stand out. Especially because I often use a simply white flecked background.
I think what I’d like people to take away from my art is that simplicity is key. I also love picking obscure object that people wouldn’t normally focus upon as the subject of my work. The reason being I’d like to highlight the beauty and complicity in items that would normally be overlooked. I’d say example in my work would be my Hammers, bare walls and also singular pieces of food.
I’m also a politics student and oddly I choose not to feature politics in my art. My reason is that I prefer my art to be a break away from all else. A place where I can relax and enjoy myself. If other people enjoy the output then that’s brilliant!
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
That’s a very interesting question!
I’d say if you were struggling then getting your work online is a strong route to take as you do get such a broad audience.
Also, say be careful how you use your resources… I’d love to have all of my work framed well, but it’s not always possible so I’d say work carefully. Framing can however be done cheaply if you’re willing to be creative!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Most of my work is currently on Instagram #JoeSheldonArt. I do really enjoy the wide audience and positive reception I’ve received from there. I also get the vast majority of my commissions and work for here too.
I am slowly looking for other outlets. I’m branching out slowly with my work because I’d hate to think of it like a business haha.
If anyone would like to support me then people get in touch through Instagram. If you’re interested in any work please let me know. Also I honestly love receiving comments on my work.
Contact Info:
- Email: josephsheldon@hotmail.com
- Instagram: @joesheldonart
Image Credit:
Taken by myself and the one of me taken by Will “Power” Ranger.
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