Photograph of Joseph Minton in his studio

About Joseph Minton:

Joseph Minton is best known for his expressionist and abstract expressionist paintings and drawings. His artworks commonly feature bold lines, dramatic color and melancholy subject matter. His art tends to tell the story or a darker view of life as he paints images of mankind in its most fragile and exposed states. The artists paintings at first glance may appear dark, morose or unpleasant to some; but after closer examination their true beauty is revealed as one considers the complexity and delicate nature of the emotions conveyed through his works.

Through Expressionism and Abstract Expressionism, Minton revels in depicting raw and unsuppressed emotion. He seems to almost condense the emotion displayed in his works into is purest form allowing the viewer to not just see but feel what his artwork is depicting. Perhaps the artist's style can best be summed up in his own words.

"I believe that art should be more than just brush stokes on canvas showing a precise and literal duplication of an event or location. Art, or true art I should say, is far more than that. True art captures emotions, feelings and the energy of the object, setting or event that is being depicted. It goes far deeper then the cold, flat surface of duplication. True art has an entity of its own, it is alive, and has the ability to speak, effect, move and convey emotions to it's viewer. This is why I personally choose to paint in derivatives of expressionism."

Born in 1974, Joseph Minton is a self taught artist who began painting at the age of 18. Though he has no formal art training he quickly began to master the use of oil paints. Formulating his own techniques that combine semi transparent color washes with bold lines, he has created a style that is all his own. In many of his works you will find his signature paint streams that seem to emphasize a dichotomy of precision and lack of control. His works are also commonly recognized by his use of heavy texture seen in works such as "Inside", "The Drunk 2" and "The Tree".

When asked why he paints Expressionist works, Minton answered "Though I greatly admire and appreciate other art forms, expressionism is the one style that really speaks to me. When I look at the works of Edvard Munch, Vincent Van Gogh, Emile Nolde, Ernst Kirchner and Egon Schiele I am moved. Expressionist works can grab hold of your heart, they can make you sympathize, relate, cry, smile, reconsider, contemplate and cringe. There are few things in this world that I enjoy more than viewing a painting and having it make me feel something."

Unlike most artists, Minton is unusual in the sense that he does not attempt to show his works or display his works in museums. Instead he paints purely from the desire to create and to expel the images that enter his mind into a tangible form. He considers his work to be very personal and feels that it is not meant to be accepted by the masses but more appreciated by the few. Minton explains this when he says "I consider my work to be a success when I can spend hours looking at it yet still not become bored with it. I believe that art in it's most simple terms is the combination of emotion and creation, life's two most precious and beautiful gifts. The most sensitive and passionate people have the greatest ability to either create or appreciate art. In a way you allow people to see who you truly are when you paint in an expressive manner. You allow the viewer to see things that you tell no one, witness your pain, joy, love and sadness. They view your soul, the depths of your mind, your highest highs and your lowest lows." These are just a few of the characteristics that make Joseph Minton such a unique and interesting artist.


Questions and Answers from the Artist:

What drives your art?

Factors that impact my art usually boil down to personal relevance.  What I mean by that is unlike some artists, I only paint for myself and not out of the need or desire to sell my work.  So if I am going to take the time and spend the energy painting something, it has to be important to me.  My art means a great deal to me; in a way it is a visual chronicle of my life.  Most of my paintings are images that relate to experiences that I have had in my life; a photo album in a strange way.  Some of my works are inspired by relationships in my life, other times I will be driving down the road and I will see something that inspires a work and there are other occasions a specific event might inspire a great deal of emotion in me and I will have an overwhelming desire to create a painting about it. 


Why do many of your painting have a dark feel to them?

As far as my work being dark is concerned, I typically attribute that to me being most inclined to paint when something either saddens me or puts me in a state that I want to be alone and reflective.  It is not that I do not enjoy the act of painting; it is just that I am typically not compelled to paint unless I am dwelling on a situation that is bothering me.  I find emotion to be a very beautiful and moving thing, even when it might be a little dark or possibly sad. 


Why are many of the female figures in your paintings light in color or washed out?

In some situations it is to show a sense of emptiness, sadness, innocence or even lifelessness. At other times it can be used to create a contrast with the other colors in the work to bring additional focus to the figure. 


Can you tell me more about your style and technique?

I am not a formally trained artist.  I have taught myself by viewing the works of others and developing my own style that works for me and the type of art that I like to create.  I predominantly paint with oil paints on canvas and use a great deal of paint thinner to create effects and layers.  I also commonly use paint right from the tube and apply it very thick in some areas.  On occasion I will also incorporate plaster into my art for extra texture.  There is no real rhyme or reason for the colors I choose.  I have every color in the rainbow of paint available to me but I typically gravitate to red, black, white and blue.


Why have you not pursued formal training?

I never felt that I “needed” it, so I never pursued formal training.  As I mentioned earlier, I paint for my own satisfaction, not from the need to place food on my table.  To a degree I think that not having my painting skills perfected adds a sense of sincerity to my work.  Sometimes when you polish an item too much it can lose some of the elements that make it so beautiful or special.

If you have questions or comments for the artist, you may send correspondence to info@josephmintonart.com.