Uncynical Outlook with Joe Whyte

Written by: Anthony Hagan All Images courtesy of Joe Whyte

Joe Whyte never grew up. Art kept him young and he loves this fact. Joe lives his life devoid of cynicism and with honesty. Joe’s art is created with resourcefulness that helps break boredom and fuels creativity. He does not try to delve too deep into descriptions of his creations. When you examine Joe’s portfolio, you realize that modesty is another one of Joe’s traits. He has created art pieces and posters for many household names but he never brags or beats his chest about this. It is refreshing to interact with a person who knows what is important and does not try too hard to analyze every single thing. Joe embraces experiences and keeps close the things that he knows to be important.

See the interview below.

“I know that it can be so easy to sit back and be negative and cynical, or to view …”

Please tell us a little about yourself – your childhood, siblings, where you grew up, what you liked as a child, strange thoughts as a child/now, unique attributes, where you live now, etc.?

I grew up in Collingwood, inner city Melbourne, with a brother and a sister. I’ve always been into drawing, for as long as I can remember. I was a super shy nerdy kid, so I’d spend every single day immersed in my drawings. My parents were always supportive, so they encouraged me to keep it up. Most kids tend to grow out of it, but for me it never happened. Now as an adult, I’m still living in Melbourne and still drawing every single day. It’s almost like I never had to grow up and get a real job.

What does your art mean to you?

It means everything to me. At this point it’s just a part of me; I don’t really see it as separate to the rest of my life. When I do a bad drawing it affects my mood, but when it all comes together I’m on top of the world. My friends think that’s kind of weird.

How do you describe your form of art?

To be honest I’ve got no clue. Like a typical artist I’m pretty bad at describing my own work.

What tools do you use for the creation of your work and how did you create your personal style?

Whatever I have on hand. Lately I’ve been doing a lot of work with cheap pencils and pens, but I’m happy using anything. Computer, charcoal, texta, watercolor, oil paints, etc. I tend to get bored easily, so I really enjoy the challenges that come with using new unfamiliar materials. Often it’s that lack of familiarity, the act of experimenting can push my art into new interesting areas.

Where do you get inspiration from?

People. My friends, family, strangers, whoever. I love cities; just the millions of people going about their lives amongst each other, that’s the biggest inspiration for me. When I’m truly stuck, I find a walk through the city with my sketchbook will usually help me break out of the rut.

What is the worst critique you have ever received about your work? What is the best compliment that you have received about your work?

The worst critique probably isn’t even anything that anyone has said. For me it’s when I’ve produced a new drawing, and it creates absolutely no reaction whatsoever. Someone will glance at it for half a second, and go on with their lives. I’d much rather someone hate something I did – at least that is SOMETHING.

Which artist/s do you look up to the most?

So many – Alphone Mucha and Gustave Klimt are particular favorites.

Since Style.No.Chaser is a men’s lifestyle magazine, what attributes/items/clothing /etc. do you think define a man?

I don’t think there’s really any fashion/items in particular. I guess for me it comes down to being comfortable in your own skin, whatever you wear.

What is your personal life philosophy?

I try to be genuine and honest with what I do. I know that it can be so easy to sit back and be negative and cynical, or to view everything through some veil of irony, without ever having to commit to your convictions. It’s so easy, but it takes way more guts to do something honest and stand by it 100%