Interview
Joe Duvall
Joe Duvall is a self-taught artist working primarily with acrylic paint and exotic hardwoods, creating pieces that explore color, individuality, and the inherent beauty of uniqueness. His work ranges from expressive paintings to handcrafted wood pieces, with each creation designed to stand on its own as an individual entity. At the core of Joe’s work is a simple belief: individuality is one of the greatest powers we possess as people. In a world that often encourages conformity, value is embracing what makes each person, object, and idea distinctly their own. His art is an exploration of that belief. Through bold color, natural materials, contrasting textures, and unconventional forms, he explores themes of philosophy and individuation—the process of discovering and becoming one's own distinct self. He is interested in the tension between structure and freedom, nature and human expression, and the idea that something does not need to belong to a larger whole to have meaning. Whether working with a brush or shaping exotic hardwood by hand, Joe aims to create pieces that require no explanation to justify their worth. Each work is intended to exist confidently on its own, with its character, imperfections, and individuality left visible. His goal is not simply to create something beautiful, but to create something worthy of being admired for what it is—standing entirely on its own.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I am a self-taught artist and U.S. veteran originally from Phoenix, Arizona, and now based in Jacksonville, Florida. My creative journey began at just eight years old, when I first discovered a passion for woodworking through my grandfather. Acrylic painting came into the mix a few years after. Moving around growing up, I sought for consistency in my life anyway I could find it. Woodworking wasn’t always possible so I developed an interest in acrylic painting after inspiration from all the cultures I experienced during my time in the military and civilian career.”
What inspires you?
“Nature has been a huge inspiration for me throughout my travels. Experiencing so many different landscapes and biomes around the world, I had exposure to a large variety of places. From the gloomy hills of the Scottish highlands to the tropical forests of Singapore. Nature has been a never ending source of inspiration.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Resilience and individuation. I have experienced hardship throughout my life finding a true identity. In the winter of 2020, I was hit by an SUV leaving me nearly paralyzed. In recovery, it was a battle for me to fight physical pains although the mental ones were worse. Throughout the years of recovery, I sharpened my mind and expressed my energy through my craft. Resilience ties into my work reflecting the durability of my creations. Sometimes when wood splits, it just gives us a chance to fill it with more color.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as a harmonious contrast, merging of raw nature and vibrant color. The wood is a symbol of a source and originality. Through time, we break and split through time and hardship. The gaps and cracks are made whole again with bright color. Similar to the Japanese art of Kintsugi.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I admire the work of Francisco Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, and Zdzisław Beksiński. I enjoy the honesty and rawness they demonstrate during their time.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creativity comes from idleness. I get my best ideas when I am sitting still or out fishing. I get ideas when I am also at the saw mill looking at shapes and cuts of the wood that is on the wall. Sometimes you can see the shape before you cut into it. I look to see where the knots are and what could make a great piece from a discarded piece that no one else picked up.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe the artist's role is to express the behaviors, attitudes, or themes of what society is currently facing- whether it be political issues, global crisis, or a collective awakening. The artist puts their stamp on the current time period so when those times pass, one can get a glimpse into the current state of affairs society faced during said time.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“The last exhibition I saw was at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Dennis C. Hayes Collection of Japanese Prints, featuring 190 traditional woodblock prints dating from the 19th to the early 20th centuries. Eastern culture and artwork has always been very intriguing to me. I love the blended soft colors of Japanese Woodblock prints, along with the perfect lines that give each scene a definite form. They all tell a story of daily life in Japan as it was in the Edo period.”
Website: www.black-bear-studio.com
Instagram: @jdmakinstuff
