Meet Joey Morgan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joey Morgan.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Ever since I can remember I have used some sort of creativity as a form of self-expression. From decorating cakes to interior design to small space landscaping/gardening to fashion to mixed media art, have all reflected my inner desire or ‘calling’ to be creative on some level.

About seven years ago I decided to stop treating my art as a hobby and took it to the next level. So as a result of this Art Mixed Up, LLC was born! My first arts festival was the Phoenix Center for the Arts inaugural festival in November 2012. Using my Photoshop skills, I digitally created colorful abstract designs then had them printed on metallic paper. I cut the paper into 5×5 squares and glued them on black foam core board. As an extra adornment, I crisscrossed patina copper strips around the square and adhered the strips to the back of the foam core with DUCT TAPE! Yes, good-‘old fashion silver duct tape! And guess what? I sold ten of them! Sold eight to a woman visiting Phoenix — she wanted to give them to her employees as gifts. I can just imagine them looking at the craftsmanship and thinking, “Wow, those artists in Arizona are so imaginative and resourceful.” 🙂

Since then my work has evolved into its own unique category of digital composite photography that is bright in colors, rich in texture, printed on metal and ready to hang. (And I no longer use duct tape). I have sold artwork
from a gallery in Carefree, Arizona, to high-end condo buildings in Tempe and Phoenix, to private collectors here
in Phoenix as well to collectors in California, New York, New Hampshire, Michigan, Kansas, very soon Colorado and for the next two weeks Lisbon, Portugal.

My fervent mission as an artist is to keep evolving and exploring ways to artistically attract attention and send
viewers on a visual escape. Conjuring ideas for a new piece is an explorative, challenging process that I enthusiastically look forward to and welcome. An individual’s journey to serenity is uniquely their own. For me it is the creative process. It comes from within, it cannot be rushed and it evolves as it is nurtured. As long as I can be creative on some level, peace exists within, it feeds my spirit and my soul.

Please tell us about your art.

My art is a multi-step process starting with chemically treating copper to obtain varied patina color and patterns.
I then take photos of the patina copper and digitally merge one or two of these photos with another photo of texture that I find in nature. This could be stone or slate, texture on a canyon wall, patterns in sand or tree bark. I scale, skew, or distort to enhance the texture detail and depth of the composition. It may take minutes or hours to find the most pleasing distribution and balance of color and texture. The final composite image is printed on metal so a frame is not necessary.

I have chosen this medium mainly because it allows me to utilize my technical skills in a more creative manner. Inspiration comes from the natural world – we most often admire nature from a distance. It’s an entirely different experience when viewed close-up. The intricate detail, shapes and designs are formed biologically, by wind, fire, or water over time. Chemistry also inspires me. The effects of chemical reactions on copper and brass produce an array of striking colors and patterns – I like to say it’s when chemistry becomes ‘art’.

The ultimate goal is to capture someone’s attention and lure them in to take a closer look. It’s always interesting to hear what people ‘see’ or what they think it might be. They may start looking at tree bark in an entirely different way! What you should know about my artwork is that it’s all for sale! And commissions are readily accepted…. 🙂

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
I think the biggest challenge facing artists today is the wearing of so many different hats all at the same time! We are artists, business owners, social media marketers, art community networkers and some, like myself, still have a day job. But it’s all worth it when someone buys your art!

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see my work at http://artmixedup.com, at the Ted Denton Gallery in Carefree, Arizona, (they are closed for the summer but will re-open in October), in the Edgewater Condo building at Tempe Town Lake, in the common area of the Illuminate apartment building in downtown Phoenix and at the Herberger Theater gallery from August 3rd – September 30th. As far as support — it’s always nice to get more followers on social media! Preferably Instagram. Thank you!

The Arizona Board of Regents offices in downtown Phoenix (from August 13th – Jan 13th)

Contact Info:

• Website: http://artmixedup.com
• Email: joey@artmixedup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artmixedup
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtMixedUp/?timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&timeline_context_item_source=1627752363
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArtMixedUp

Image Credit:
Joey M Morgan

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