What’s your favourite beach?
Queenscliff. It’s right across the road from where I live. There’s a familiarity to it that I enjoy.
Where’s your favourite place to eat, drink, hang out?
I’m definitely a ‘home’ kind of person. We have this amazing communal deck at our apartment building that overlooks the beach. Hanging out there with friends tops anywhere else!
What’s the best thing about the Beaches?
Having all the amenity of a first world city and at the same time having amazing beaches, surfing, diving, kitesurfing, and more right on the doorstep.
If you had to live anywhere else in the world, where would that second-best place to live be?
Ahh, a loaded question. After 17 years here, the longest I have ever been in once place, I am moving north to a small coastal enclave in February next year. I’m excited for the change, so hopefully it lives up to the amazing times I’ve had on the Northern Beaches.
What inspired your cover?
My wife studied neuroscience and I have a degree in philosophy, we regularly discuss the concepts of consciousness and the crossovers between each discipline. The painting on the cover ‘The Left Hand of Consciousness’ is based on 8 questions about consciousness. Its sister painting, ‘The Right Hand of Consciousness’ asks the same 8 questions from an opposing perspective.
What inspires your work in general?
My work is a philosophical exploration of humanity. I’m looking to understand and depict the complexities of human existence, societal norms, and the nature of consciousness.
How would you describe your art?
Incredibly bright, colourful and attention grabbing. Then once I have your attention, I want to make you think a little. Actually, a lot.
What is your favourite part of the process?
When days spent in the studio are distraction free and I can just spend the hours creating.
Which artists or inspiring people, dead or alive, would you most like to have dinner with?
I think it would have to be Caravaggio, Aristotle, Artemisia Gentileschi, DaVinci, and my wife. These are the creatives and thinkers that I would love to listen to and interract with.
How did you discover you had a gift for art?
I don’t think I have a gift; I think I have a work ethic that allows me to pursue difficult things until I figure them out. I always thought I was hopeless at drawing until I decided to draw every day for a year. Turns out I could draw, I just had to commit to learning.
Did you study art?
Yes, I have a degree in fine art.
What are you currently working on?
I’ve always got a few paintings on the go at the same time in the studio. Right now, I’m finishing up a series about consumerism never satisfying the senses.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
Creating something with little more than imagination and my own two hands.
What would you like to see in the future of the Beaches art scene?
The industrial areas on the Beaches have seen a huge amount of creative energy over the time I have been here. It would be really great to see that grow even more and attract more people from further afield.
What advice do you have for young or aspiring artists?
Create more than you consume.
What words of wisdom are you often guided by?
Don’t die wondering…It’s simple and it’s cliched, but seriously people, you only get once chance at life, so have a go at what inspires you!
*We’re losing Joel to the north coast, so don’t miss his:
STUDIO ART SALE, Saturday 8 November, 18/49-51 Mitchell Road, Brookvale.
Also find him on Instagram @joelcoleman_ and online at joelcoleman.com
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Are you an artist local to the Northern Beaches and want to be featured in the Tawny Frogmouth? Email mail@thetawnyfrogmouth.com.au