J O E L M I T C H E L L
R O O T S
Growing up, I was heavily influenced by one man: an artist, architect, nature lover, permaculture gardener, black smith, wood worker, antique collector, traditional tools expert, meccano nut, and my creative mentor - my Dad.
He grew up in a family of artists and craftsman, where creativity was valued and nurtured.
He mentored me (as his father mentored him) and as I grew, we worked on many creative projects together. I learnt, practised, failed, tried again, and developed skills – all alongside my Dad.
I grew up in the Blue Mountains, NSW climbing trees, catching reptiles, camping, exploring the bush, rock-climbing, canyoning and mountain-bike riding.
Adventure. Wildlife. Wilderness. Risk. Creativity - all were a part of daily life.
I grew, I moved, I’m now a Dad of wild, creative kids.
The merging of passion, skills, imagination and time, now culminates in being a full-time artist.
My kids watch me. Work along side me. Create with me.
They also love Adventure. Wildlife. Wilderness. Risk. Creativity.
I mentor them.
Rick (my dad)
Jarrah (my daughter)
Levi (my son)
Zac (my son)
P H I L O S O P H Y
The process of restoration and discovering hidden potential in timber has been a theme throughout my life. It has underpinned my career as a teacher, outdoor educator and artist in helping people discover their worth, value and gifting.
In the words of Master wood sculptor, Salem Barker, “…since the beginning of creation, the signature of an Artist has been clearly seen in all things... The inherent mystic beauty of the natural world was delivered with intention… My heart, my thoughts, and my feelings are guides as I bring to fruition the art of my imagination. We, ourselves are a product of the Artist’s imagination, and our ability to create is but a reflection of these qualities grafted into us.”
My hope is that my work is not simply beautiful or artistic, but speaks to the longing in us all that hopes for restoration and renewal.
Curriculum Vitae
E D U C A T I O N
Bachelor of Secondary Education (Visual Arts), Charles Darwin University (2012-15)
Diploma Outdoor Education, Blue Mountains TAFE (2009-10)
Diploma Youth and Community Work, Fusion Australia, Tasmania (2002-03)
Cert IV in Training and Assessment, Darwin Human Resource and Computer Academy (2011)
C O M M I S S I O N S
2021 | Private commission, ‘Gidgee Wood Hand’ Dr David Yee. Sydney
2020 | Public Sculpture Installation, Darwin Middle School ‘Sea Grass’ Darwin NT
2019 | Arafura Games, Darwin: Medal Podiums Darwin NT
2019 | Public Sculpture, Charles Darwin University, The Green Ant Nest. Darwin NT
2019 | Public Sculpture Installation, Darwin Middle School ‘Mahogany Seed Pods’. Darwin NT
2018 | Public Sculpture, Taminmin College, Humpty Doo, Darwin NT
2018 | Public sculptures, large scaled Turtle and Frilled Neck Lizard, Anula Primary School Darwin NT
2018 | Public sculptures, Territory Therapy Solutions, Darwin NT
2016 | Public Sculpture ‘Lotus Seed Pods’ The Quarter, Casuarina Square, Darwin NT
2006 | Sculptural installations for Sisters of Mercy Catholic Church, Sydney
A W A R D S & G R A N T S
2021 | Bowral Sculpture Prize: Peoples Choice Award
2020 | Artist in Residence: Poatina Arts Centre, Tasmania.
2020 | Artist in Residence: Darwin Middle School.
2018 | Finalist, Northern Territory Natural Resource Management Awards- Anula Primary School sculptural project.
2018 | Artist in Residency: Territory Wildlife Park, Darwin
2015 | Arts NT Grant (Emerging Artist) Northern Territory Government
2013 | Honourable Mention, NCCA Members Exhibition
2013 | Wetlands Australia Photography Competition (Flora) - 1st Prize
S O L O E X H I B I T I O N S
2016 | ‘Inheritance’, Northern Centre for Contemporary Arts, Darwin
2022 | ‘Back to the Beginning’, Braemar Gallery, Springwood Blue Mountains NSW
G R O U P E X H I B I T I O N S
2018 | Threatened Species Exhibition, Tactile Arts, Darwin
2014 | ‘Balance’ Northern Centre for Contemporary Arts, Darwin
2014 | ‘Radar’, Nan Giese Gallery, Darwin
2014 | ‘Ephemeral’ Nan Giese Gallery, Darwin