Interview

Written By Adelé Kotzé

Joseph McGivern

Joseph McGivern is a contemporary, colored pencil and graphite artist living and working in the United States specializing in surrealistic flows and mid-century inspired graphic design. He is a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA), a member of the Scarab Club in Detroit and a member of Lawrence Street Gallery.

 

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My love for art began at an early age and has been a constant throughout my life. Since I can remember, I have felt an emotional connection to color combinations and shape. In high school, I focused my studies on art, mechanical drawing and drafting where my precision in technique was shaped. Naturally drawn to the Surrealist movement, I saw the power of fine line and brilliant perspective applied to seemingly limitless human creativity. After high school, my artistic passion and development continued during college, where I won first place in the annual art competition while earning a Bachelor of Arts in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University followed by a Masters degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. My engineering career has included work in microprocessor design, startup ventures, award-winning innovations in industry including several patents. With my son Joey now off pursuing his own ambitions, I am returning to my true passion - art - with renewed purpose and determination.”

How would you describe your work?

“Familiar images, drawn from moments in our collective past, serve as symbols, evoking memories and their ensuant emotions. These memories are intricately woven together, presented within highly detailed, naturalistic scenes that blur the boundaries between life and object. The result is a cohesive poetic blend of realism and abstraction, where each piece becomes a window into a deeper and personally meaningful experience. With regards to my graphic design pieces, I zoom in and focus on individual shapes in complimentary settings, drawing on color combinations that resonate strongly with me.”

What inspires you?

“I am deeply inspired by the challenge of pushing the limits of human creativity in a world of infinite possibilities. For me, the true essence of art lies in crafting compelling compositions that guide viewers on unforgettable, personal journeys, encouraging them to explore new realms of thought and emotion.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“My theme is best described as the limitless power of human creativity to inspire. I create for myself. Each piece is a tile in a mosaic of who I am; a pure expression of self. The message is up to the very personal experience of the viewer. My hope is my artwork inspires people and touches their soul in a unique and meaningful way.”

Which artists influence you most?

“My early influences include Salvador Dali for his imagination, perspective and composition, Rene Magritte for his incongruent imagery and powerful symbolism and Henri Matisse for his color, shape and contour. Their collective works sparked my imagination and shaped my artistic vision.”

“Theme: The limitless power of human creativity to inspire.”

What is your creative process like?

“Everything begins with creative exploration via sketches. Some images are gifted to me by my subconscious, others are invented on the fly. All act as a well to draw from. My compositions evolve through a series of inspirations, with each piece unfolding over time. I begin by focusing on the foreground, building out from there toward the background, where the still-unknown elements offer endless possibilities for depth and perspective. As I work, I employ partial rendering to create opportunities for developing depth and perspective, allowing the yet-unimagined background to emerge organically and take shape as the composition evolves.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“Art should change lives. Artists shape the essence of our shared humanity. Artwork inspires people, gives hope, and touches us all in a unique way. I heard an art critic announce, all that could be done in art innovation had been done and there was nothing truly new to come. I don’t believe that for a moment. Inspiration and invention are all that is needed to start your own movement. Whether anyone joins or not is irrelevant. Being 100% authentic and true to your vision is all that matters.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“My first solo exhibition, Joseph McGivern, ‘Betrayal of Images,’ Lawrence Street Gallery was in July 2024. In 2023, I was awarded an honorable mention at the Scarab Club Gold Medal Members Exhibition.”

 
Adelé Kotzé
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