Local Artist Series // Joel Birch

Who are you and what do you create?
My name is Joel Birch, I am a multidisciplinary artist from the Sunshine Coast, creating type based illustrations, large scale murals, photographs, and writing the lyrics for the band I am a part of, The Amity Affliction.

What materials and techniques do you use?
I use a varying array of materials for my artworks, ranging from micron pens for the illustrations up to a spray gun and spray paint for the large murals. As far as technique goes, it’s also a range of different ways to produce the artworks that I have been refining for the last 20 years.

What kind of inspirations go into your work?
From a young age I have been fascinated with both graffiti and signage. The old hand painted signage is something that has continued to inform my creative process now since I was a teenager, and adding graffiti into the mix has helped to create a unique combination of the two. I travel the world extensively each year as well, so the difference in scenery and colours is something that is deeply entrenched in my work. I am particularly drawn to the pastels of the desert and the coast.

In what space do you like to create most?
I think the greatest space for any artist is in the public sphere. I like to create pieces that are incongruous at times, and harmonious at others, but ultimately in the public sphere is my favourite place. I like to shock or soothe, either is a welcome chance to spark something in the mind of the observer.

What has been your favourite or most important work to date?
Hard to say, to be honest. They all mark a certain time, and a certain mood. I feel like they age well for the public, but for me I would be happy to be allowed to cover them every six months with something new.

To see more of Joel’s work, head to his Instagram or website.