Joel

Explore Joel’s work at Sharing Is Caring, a group exhibition in partnership with University College London Hospitals Arts & Heritage from 22 November - 5 February. Find out more about the exhibition at The Street Gallery of UCLH.

Joel is a sculpture artist who has found a unique and innovative way to create his characters - he will create a Lego skeleton, build it up with clay and other materials, and bring it to life with paint, fabric and even LED lights. He explores important themes and their effects on people through his art, themes such as violence, mistreatment of minority groups, injustice and exploitation of power are important to Joel as a Black and disabled artist.

Joel uses animals and characters to portray the issues close to his heart, and is particularly inspired by 80s and 90s TV characters. He will also use creatures of his own invention, including cyborgs, robots, monsters, heroes and villains, illustrating his imaginative ideas on a computer and building them physically.

“I like coming to Artbox because I don’t like staying at home bored all day – I need something fun. I feel happy when making art and I am happy when I sell my work. I get money so I can get more materials and you can take your girlfriend out - go to the cinema or restaurant!”

Throughout his time at Artbox, Joel has refined his artmaking skills and style, and the quality of his works has come very far. He’s always been committed to his craft and he takes great pride in his artworks selling. Not only does he feel accomplished when his work sells, he also enjoys using the money he earns to buy more materials to keep creating! A true artist, Joel works on many digital plans and sketches before he sets out to make a piece, and he delights in telling people all about his process and final pieces.

Original art:

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