Joel B. White

(b. August, 1969, Minneapolis, MN)

Since age 5, I have lived mainly in San Diego, CA, graduating from Mission Bay High School, having then studied at UC Berkeley for 3+ years.  I abandoned my studies to maintain my grade point average, as I was unable to concentrate enough to achieve my academic goals.

Shortly after leaving UC Berkeley, I encountered a medical diagnosis of a chemical imbalance (Bi-polar Disorder) which caused a partially disabling condition.

The next 20 years my journey was a series of difficult ups and downs, trying to find a way to live with my particular chemistry and the attendant prescription treatments, and trying to reconcile that with my strong faith. I was unable to return to my studies, despite several attempts over some years.  I also worked in the food industry for some time, and I created spoken word poetry and performed for a short time.

In late 2010, despite having no art training, my mother encouraged me to develop further my pen and ink artwork that had touched others in a unique and uplifting way.  My journey of faith has informed my work on an elemental level. Since 2010 I have generated a large body of work.

Themes that emerge from my work reveal themselves in earth scapes, vessels, flora, fauna, faces, dancers, figures, angels, warriors, aliens, romance, along with minimalist abstract and complex abstract works, reflecting life experiences through my spirituality.

In addition to the opening of JWL Art Designs art gallery in Arts District Liberty Station, in February of 2025, art collectors across the United States have been collecting my work for several years, and it has been exhibited at: The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in La Jolla, California; The Coronado Artwalk, Coronado, California; Mason's Barre and Grill, Minneapolis, Minnesota; St. James Expresso, Kirkland, Washington;  and in other San Diego venues:  Fairouz Cafe and Gallery,  ASerenity Spa,  Spacebar,  Birdrock Coffee Roasters.

My Artistic Process

I create usually without an initial vision, turning a blank sheet into art work through images which may or may not become representational. Forms may suggest themselves to me as I create. While my pieces develop, I reflect on what has come from my spirit and faith, the works being spontaneous and multifaceted—often having intense and emotional elements.

I am often asked how I create my work, but I don’t have an explanation. It seems that my creativity springs up of its own will, from intuition and acute sensitivities, and when I have completed a piece, there appears structure, composition, balance and whatever else each of us sees in it.   Inspiration from my spiritual views, my moods and thoughts come as moving through each day, I breathe in the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures of my surroundings.  Calligraphic and Eastern impressions appear in my work without forethought.

In my work and my life, I strive for a minimalist approach, usually.  I try for simplicity, harmony, and orderliness.  On occasion I wander into confusion and complexity.  All of my work is faith based.  I am deeply grateful for the talent that has been given me.  I hope to share my intense faith, my wanderings and my perseverance through my art.

©