We had the good fortune of connecting with Joey Deruy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joey, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I love my routine. There’s something special about the quiet of early morning, the smell of coffee brewing, and having a moment to just sketch and gather my thoughts. This daily ritual has grown into something I look forward to—a small adventure in journaling that helps me start the day grounded and grateful. I feed the birds outside, walk the pups, and then settle in to paint. Being able to do what I love every day and make a living from it is a privilege I don’t take for granted. Most days, I’ll paint for about eight hours, with breaks here and there, sometimes letting myself wander off for a bit of fun. But nothing quite compares to that peaceful start each morning. It reminds me to be thankful, to center myself, and to approach each day with an open heart. I think that’s something anyone can appreciate—finding joy in small moments and letting them fuel what comes next.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work reflects a deep interest in the intersection of quantum science, particles, and consciousness, all explored through the lens of the human experience. I’m fascinated by what lies within the unknown—the mysterious spaces between particles, the possibilities of dark matter, and the nature of black holes. Through my art, I aim to fill in those gaps, drawing from my own subconscious to create a world of imagined characters who might inhabit these unseen realms. By merging scientific curiosity with personal experience, I hope to capture the idea that we, and everything around us, are interconnected particles, floating in a vast, dynamic universe.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My dogs are an essential part of my life, so I always start the day with a walk with them. It’s usually beautiful where I live, and this morning routine is a perfect way to clear my mind and set a positive tone. I often find myself at a local diner afterward, sketching people as they pass by and catching up with friends. With many of my friends living out of town and my work keeping me busy, I treasure these simple moments, often followed by a visit to a local bookstore or a peaceful walk along the beach.

When I’m not creating, I love exploring gardens, galleries, and museums; each offers its own inspiration. But the beach is a favorite—a quiet escape from the intensity of the art world and the constant hum of world events.

Whenever we get together, my friends and I catch up on the latest books, movies, and TV series. We’ll sometimes go to concerts, community events, or a farmers’ market to take in the local culture and support fellow artists.

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?
I am incredibly thankful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from so many people along this journey. Recently, I was invited to create an installation for Freshy World Sneakers at the upcoming 2024 Gurus Magazine Awards. I’ll be painting live while showcasing hand-painted sneaker boxes in a unique installation, which I hope will bring some excitement and inspiration to the event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to not only celebrate art within the community but also to demonstrate how businesses and artists can come together in creative collaboration. My hope is that this inspires other companies to think creatively about engaging with artists, helping to keep art accessible and alive for everyone.

Website: https://www.joeyderuy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyderuy?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeyderuy?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joeyderuy?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@joeyderuy?si=WY2GrNGZg-_SyfCS

Other: Pinterest-

https://pin.it/1jNq1SqFt

Image Credits
Joey Deruy

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