This article was originally published in BPM Magazine. Read the full version of the magazine here.
Art as Authentic Expression
With a passion for music, fashion, and digital design, Joe Vella takes inspiration from various sources and combines them to create works that reflect his personal taste. One of his dreams involves creating something as ubiquitous and iconic as the barbecue chair. Even though no one knows who made that chair, everyone knows the chair. ‘There are so many things that have been made but are so ubiquitous in everyday life that they’re beyond being designed by someone.’
Can you describe your journey?
I’ve always been a creative person. I used to draw as a child, I was always into music. When I was around 13, I started to develop my own personal style of fashion, a particular taste in music. But all the clothes and stuff that I liked weren’t affordable to a student. So I thought, ’Why don’t I do it myself?’. I always tell people I just want to spend my life creating stuff I find cool. Whether it’s fashion, music, I just like making stuff.
How do you feel when you’re designing clothes?
I am definitely a high-BPM person. When designing, I like to listen to intense, fast-paced music. I feel like that really puts me in a fast and intense headspace, where ideas are free to flow rapidly.
What made you experiment with DJing?
I have tried playing instruments, but I didn’t like the learning curve. I got into creating digital remixes on my laptop when I was like 13, using really primitive software. I also got into beat making. Eventually, I found myself and my musical identity in the
techno scene and I started experimenting with mixing techno. After going to so many parties, I care about this feeling so much and there’s all these people who care too – hundreds, sometimes thousands at events – who are there feeling so incredible because of what the DJ can do. I want to be able to share that love, that feeling, with others as well.
Do you ever get moments of frustration while working on creative endeavours?
Extremely. My biggest frustration is having an image in my mind and either not being able to communicate it effectively or not being able to translate it into something physical. My favourite thing is seeing my ideas become something tangible. There was an idea, a concept. And now it’s something that I have and love.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Very simple. Don’t let anything hold you back!
What is your advice to anyone who wants to become a fashion designer?
I’m in no position to give advice but what really matters is being true to yourself and to design for you above all else. If you know exactly what you want, you are making something of true artistic value. I think that resonates with people. The level of authenticity, of raw truthfulness, will eventually lead to something meaningful for sure in terms of any form of art.
Since you are self-taught, what is your advice to anyone who wants to teach themselves a skill?
Youtube. Get your phone, laptop, and start google searching things. You learn the language of that piece of art. You start to become familiar with the tools and then things start making sense by themselves.
Who is Joe in 3 words?
I prefer for people to just meet me, get to know me, and figure it out by themselves. I’m just Joe.
