Summary Joey Brock, a queer mixed-media artist with a background in corporate America and fashion merchandising, shares his poignant journey embracing self-love and identity through his evocative portrait work. From confronting religious shame to celebrating queer bodies as sacred, Joey blends photography, stitching, and mylar overlays to create layered, powerful narratives that uplift marginalized voices and challenge societal norms. Keywords Joey Brock Queer Art Mixed Media Religious Shame Portrait Photography Mylar Art Self-Love American South Queer Artists Textile Art LGBTQ+ Community Takeaways Joey’s experience in corporate America honed skills like focus, time management, and networking that positively influence his career as an independent artist. Growing up in a Primitive Baptist family in Texas shaped his early relationship with religious shame and queer identity but also inspired his critique of religious hypocrisy toward the LGBTQ+ community. The "Heavenly Bodies" project reclaims queer bodies as divine, using hyper-stylized photos combined with fabric overlays to evoke spirituality and beauty. Joey’s use of materials such as mylar and hand stitching creates multi-layered architectural artworks that explore visibility, presence, and vulnerability. His shift from abstraction to portraiture, inspired by artists like Robert Mapplethorpe, allowed him to confront body image and identity in raw, honest ways. Joey’s broader social practice projects include interviews and portraits addressing discrimination across race, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and body types, highlighting shared human pain and resilience. He consciously balances commercial and conceptual work, maintaining a recognizable style while addressing critical social issues. Joey emphasizes the importance of self-love for queer artists, encouraging individuals to release toxic relationships, including family, and prioritize chosen family. His artistic legacy aspires to uplift communities, be innovative, and challenge viewers to reconsider love, identity, and acceptance. The lightning round reveals Joey's humor, humility, and personal taste, from disliking loud mufflers to admiring Buddhist chants and the value of “quiet the noise” as a personal and artistic mantra. Chapters 00:00 – Introductions and background in corporate and art worlds 02:20 – Religious upbringing and its influence on identity and art 05:10 – Genesis of portraiture and self-portrait work 07:30 – “Heavenly Bodies” project and reclaiming queer divinity 15:40 – Fashion merchandising roots and textile techniques 18:00 – The technical and mixed media aspects of Joey’s work 23:30 – Blending personal, political, and social themes in art 27:00 – Handling discrimination and backlash as a queer artist 30:10 – Portrait subjects and community celebration 32:20 – Definitions of success and artistic legacy 36:10 – Advice for young queer artists on self-love and acceptance 39:10 – Quick fire: personal favorites and artistic inspirations 44:00 – Closing thoughts and future connections Guest Website and Socials Joey Brock Official Website Instagram @joeybrockart Facebook: Joey Brock Art BlueSky @joeybrockart.bsky.social Art in the Raw — Show Links Support on Patreon Newsletter on Substack Twitter @artintherawpod Instagram @artintherawpodcast Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Stay Connected with Salon Naturale!
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