Joel Hillard

My earlier interest began with music (piano) & art at age 6. Recognition of my first effort started in Jr. High School, and that began with a Tissue Collage. I was honored with a 1st place award for the use materials and symmetric creativity. I never entered the contest, but was submitted by our schools art director unknowingly.

My mother hid her talents in sculpturing and the use of graphite and ink for years, until I came across some drawings in an old scrap book when I was about 10 or 12. When I was 12, I began using graphite as a way of creating the depth of the emotions I wanted to convey in my work (Sci-Fi & Goth). It was more of a way of venting my confusing life in a non-violent method. I was reading books on human and social behavior when I was 13, meanwhile engaging my feelings on paper. That alone provided the fuel for material, along with other illicit means as a source of expression.

1985, I began photographing Hot-Air Balloon events in Aspen Colorado, and kept that up for a good 15 years. Photographing, repairing, chasing, flying and finally owning a Balloon in 1997. I also spent the 90's studying Abnormal Psychology, Drug Addiction, refinishing antique windows, along with collecting antique's and cemetery (charcoal) rubbings from various mountain communities in Washington State. My interest now varies, from miniature stage lighting to Steampunk art/material design and creative workshop/studio photography. I'm in the process of making a room sized mobile photo lab/studio 5'x5'x4', that will serve as a base for Antique Photo Archiving and smaller studio projects. I am a Licensed Claims Adjuster, Freelance Photographer, and currently work at Whole Foods in Austin.