We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe O’Neill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“To Paint is to Love Again” -Henry Miller

From the moment I first read this line I’ve loved it. The rollercoaster love can be- Joy, happiness, connection, disagreement, heartbreak, all of it. the perfect summary of painting as I experience it. While It can generally apply to the creative process as a painter I feel like it speaks to me personally.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a painter. I straddle the line between fine art and commercial art. My fine art exists at the intersection of representation, abstraction, and text, at least these are the boundaries in the broad field of ideas and influences I move around in. Sometimes, representational, sometimes abstract, sometimes involving text, either separately or in combination. As a commercial artist, I paint signs, murals, and other commissioned art.

How did I get where I am today? Making art consistently. Even with breaks, or having to work other jobs to subsidize my artwork. The reality of being an artist is long periods of unexciting solitude and having another way to pay your bills. The upside is I get to make art, show art, and make art for others which makes them happy. That really is a gift

The best lessons ive learned are just to keep going. Tell people about my art when I get a chance to (like here), Say yes to opportunities, especially the scary ones.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
IntoMeSea for floatation tanks, sauna, and light travel. Flake in Venice for breakfast and to show off the artwork ive done for them. The Last Bookstore in downtown LA, The galleries in Culver City, Hollywood, downtown LA, The beach. Street food- taco stands, fruit, patleta, elote, and hot dog carts.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people I could list here! This time I want to acknowledge my friend Chris Rohloff (@vintagesurfart) a friend for over 30 years. Chris’ father, Grant Rohloff, was a renowned photographer and filmmaker. Chris has maintained his fathers archive and shown his work, much of it iconic Surfing images from the 50’s and 60’s, all over the world. Chris has been known to shoot some great photos as well.

Chris has been a supporter of my art since the beginning. In addition to being a collector He is responsible for a number of shows ive had/been involved with. To that end We are doing a show together this summer. Chris will be showing Grant’s work, some pastels by his late mother Judy Rohloff, as well as a few of his own photos. I will be showing (mostly) new paintings. Ive shown with Chris/Grant before. I think the photos compliment my work well, and vice-versa.

Show opens Saturday, June 25, 6-11pm and runs through September.

IntoMeSea 1812 Lincoln Blvd. Santa Monica 90404

Website: www.doubleojoe.com www.joeoneillartworks.com

Instagram: @therealdoubleojoe

Facebook: Joe O’Neill

Other: Chris Rohloff (who im showing with) vintagesurfart.com IG- @vintagesurfart

Image Credits
Grant Rohloff
Joe O’Neill

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