Always an exciting artist, Brian Joiner was full of surprises. Like the wooden fish, multi colored, some collages, big and with personality, on the walls of the Weston Gallery. I first encountered his work at the Arts Consortium, I think during the Bicentennial. Portraits of one hundred outstanding African American women in Cincinnati. The portraits were wonderful! Most were painted on pieces of wood, all set at different levels, with bright, bright colors. The personality of each woman was very present, though these were not by any means strictly representational. Just fantastic work.
And I saw him several times at summer and fall festivals, in a booth, selling paintings and other work, and hanging out. To me, he should always have been surrounded by an adoring crowd, since he had such a gift and shared it with so many. But often he was alone. I would stop in, talk a bit – mostly just listen and breathe.
His energy was…..colorful, peaceful, bouncy….teacher energy. I am sad that he has left the planet. But I’ll bet he’s already planning his next projects. I’m musing that he’ll be inspiring other African American and minority artists, making a way for them to succeed in our town. Blessing to you, Brian. And thanks for all you did and will do to bring Beauty and Truth to the forefront.