Dec 10, 2020 | Features
Photo by Jeff Richardson
A self-taught artist, Joel Washington’s work can be found in Bloomington galleries and restaurants, in departments across Indiana University, and at the Indiana State Museum. In 2018, he travelled to London, England, where eight of his paintings were featured at the Parallax Art Fair.
Many of Washington’s works are colorful paintings of famous jazz and rock musicians, such as Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, and the Beatles.
“Music can put you in a time and place,” he says. “In my head, I know what imagery I could paint if I’m listening to certain music. When I hear something, I sometimes think, ‘I’ve got to buy this! I’ve got to paint!’”