Minority and Justice Commission
Artwork
The Flag
About the Artist
Joachim Mcmillan
In 2006, I moved to Oregon and resumed painting as a hobby. Soon however, my hobby became my passion and I began to approach galleries to show my work. Their favorable response encouraged me to focus my energy on increasing my artistic abilities while developing my own creative style. Today, I paint with a purpose: to impact the art world in a powerful way. I have developed various techniques which I use to create different effects within my paintings such as the feeling of motion, the illusion of a multi-faceted crystalline surface, or the sense of rich texture and detailed etching. I strive to infuse each painting with a dynamic vitality that excites the viewer and draws them into the piece. I am constantly thinking about new compositions, exploring new styles and experimenting with new techniques. I am inspired by my surroundings but more significantly by my imagination, my memories and the places I have traveled.
I am a self taught artist and I have had no formal art training. My father has been my biggest influence. I started painting with watercolors and acrylics for galleries in Grenada where I grew up. I also drew cartoons for two of Grenada’s main newspapers as early as 15 years old.
In my early 20’s, I migrated to New York City to study technology and at the same time continued to explore different art techniques. I now reside in Oregon, where I work for the world's leading semi conductor (hi-tech) company while developing my artistic skills and creativity on canvas. My technical and artistic abilities combine to create my unique methods and style.
I paint with images and memories from my mind. I express things as they appear to me. My paintings are an extract of action, energy and motion. I paint oils with the palette knife, a style I like because it is challenging. I like painting wet as it allows me to create motion in my paintings. Each painting tells a story and is designed to draw you in and make you want to touch the highly textured surface. Techniques such as the 'rain-drop' effect enhance the energy in my paintings and add to the illusion of motion. I have also developed my own method of pixelism in which the surface of the image is presented in a fragmented state by use of color, texture and pattern. It is one of my unique styles and it sets my work apart. My goal as an artist is to be extraordinary in a world full of the mundane.
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