Joe has been Drawing inspiration and appreciation from many forms of art his entire life. With a respect for the tradition of storytelling, he continues his journey at the Ani Art Academy Waichulis Studio learning the ways of the form to become an artist like his forefathers.

Where are you from? Where did all of this begin?

I come from a very artistic family. As a child I would sit on my father’s lap asking him to draw me super heroes, my mother studied photojournalism, and I spent most days making comic books with my brother Edward. My creative adventures never really began, it had always surrounded me.

When did you realize that art is what you were meant to do?

I always wanted to become an artist because my whole life drawing has been blissful. Every day I am engulfed by all the great art in the world and am reminded that all I want to do is sketch.

Who art your major influences, inspiration in life and in the art world?

I draw inspiration from all aspects of art. Some of the artist that have inspired me are John Singer Sargent, Alphonse Mucha, Adam Hughes, Frank Cho and Phil Noto. Fictional characters Philip J. Fry, Homer Simpson, and Arthur Dent inspire me in life because they are all common day people who end up on these amazing journeys all while making the best of their misadventures.

What are some essential tools that you consider a must have for every artist?

I constantly carry my drafting pencils and a sketch book, so I never miss an opportunity to illustrate an fascinating pose, or setting.

What are you working on at the moment?

Currently I am finishing up my drawing titled “ A Night at the Opera”, it is a modern vanitas depicting a figure emerging from one realm to another without worldly possessions. In development is a new drawing based on a greek mythology story as well as a workshop on figure drawing I will be conducting this summer.

A large portion of our audience are artists, like yourself. If you could give them one piece of advice – what would if be?

Keep searching for inspiration. Don’t go a day without discovering something that keeps you passionate about your art.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given & by whom?

“Keep sketching!” A good friend and professor Matthew Brady would encourage me.

What has been your most rewarding achievement as an artist?

I was pleased when I noticed that I had developed a personal style in my artwork. Afterwards I seem to no longer struggle with drawing.

Could you share with us your favorite quote?

“Art is not about originality, it is about authenticity, it is about being real about what you love.” – artist Gregory Manchess

When you first started, what was your biggest dream? And have you accomplished that?

I always dreamed that one day I would illustrate comic books. This is still something that I would hope to accomplish.

What are you hopes for 2013, and where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years?

In 2013 I hope to further my studies at the Ani Art Academy. In five to ten years I will still be drawing pictures with my cats.