Joe Caslin is a street artist and art teacher born in Roscommon. Joe is best known for his towering public drawings that sometimes cover the front of famous Irish buildings. His work often deals directly with the social issues of modern Ireland. Joe believes that it’s an artist’s job to try and make young people question and to think differently. Art can be something beautiful, something serious and something hard to look at – sometimes all three at the same time! His art asks us to consider how we can become better and kinder.
What is your job?
I am a street artist and teacher.
Do you have a favourite type of art?
I love looking at images of people - these are called portraits.
Why is art important ?
I feel art is important because it can inspire us, it can make us think, it makes us curious, excited and sometimes outraged.
What is the job of art (or of artists)?
Our job is to look at the world and show people what we find through our art.
How will you judge This Is Art! and what will you be looking out for ?
I want to see energy in your artwork. Pour your time, talent and imagination into what you make.
Is an artist statement important to you as a viewer?
Yes, as it can give us clues. These clues can help us discover what your artwork means or how you felt when you made it.
When did you know you wanted art to be your 'job' ?
Art has never felt like a 'job'. It just feels right. It is more than a job.
What advice do you have for young artists?
Don't be afraid to experiment. Draw from real life. Draw from your imagination. They are both more powerful than the internet.
How do you know if you are a good artist?
If it makes you happy, then you are a good artist.
What is art?
This is a difficult question to answer as it has no perfect and complete answer. But my experience tells me that Art is a way we humans communicate with one another using images or things.
