Meet the Artist: Joseph John
By Kelli Comer
“Good black and white photography will catch your eye—great black and white photography will capture your soul.” —Joseph John
It’s never too late to discover what you are destined to do with your life. For local photographer Joseph John, this realization sparked into existence at 52 years old.
“Since I was a young boy, I have always been of the belief that each of us has been blessed with an authentic gift to offer the world—a skill or talent that is innate to each of our unique beings,” Joseph says. “Some ability that just comes naturally to us with minimal toil and effort but produces outlier results. Something that brings good into the world. I had spent many years of my life in search of my authentic gift, my special ability, my passion.”
For over 30 years, Joseph embodied an intrinsic skill and passion for photography that he kept only for personal enjoyment. A chance meeting on a weekend getaway led to Joseph discovering his own authentic gift that he was now ready for the world to see.
On this getaway, Joseph met artist Cynthia Davis, owner of Hive Alive Art Studio in Marietta, Ohio. He grew comfortable with Cynthia as they spoke and he was compelled to show her his photography—something he loved, but never shared with anyone, even his loved ones. “Not only did I want to show her my work, but I also felt compelled to,” Joseph says.
As their conversation continued, Cynthia suggested that Joseph place some of his work in her studio. “And in that single moment, I began to feel a spark of life again,” Joseph smiles. “I went home, built a makeshift studio to work in and within a few weeks, I had some of my work in her studio. A couple weeks later I would purchase some wall space at Stella’s Art Gallery, where my work received a warm response from fellow artisans.”
This was the revelation Joseph needed to feel alive again. “Suddenly, it all became clear to me—at 52 years old—I knew what I wanted to be, what I had to be,” he says. “I had finally realized my own authentic gift. I am a black and white photographer, and I always have been, I just didn’t know it until now.”
A few weeks later, Joseph submitted three pieces to his first juried art show, all of which found space on the show wall. His piece titled “House of Coal” went on to win the show’s People’s Choice award. Joseph does have one color photo, Drive, pictured above. As a black and white photographer, this is the only in-color photo that he will produce for sale to the general public.
“Since I have realized my authentic gift, my cup is neither half-full nor half-empty—my cup runneth over,” Joseph smiles. “My limited vocabulary does not allow me to convey the joy that now occupies my heart. I hope you enjoy my photos, I made them just for you.”
To reach Joseph, call 909-744-2507, email josephjohnbw@gmail.com or visit JosephJohnBW.com. Joseph’s work can be found at Stella’s Art Gallery, located at 38033 Euclid Avenue in Willoughby. Visit StellasArtGallery.com for more information.