Meet Joe Joubert: South African Artist's Paint Maker

20/8/2018

What does a man born in the Kalahari, Leonardo da Vinci and aloe vera have in common? As it happens quite a lot actually. Especially if you are an artist. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing someone truly inspirational. A man who is not only an excellent artist, but is busy giving South African artists something they need.

In this article and podcast you will get to meet Joe Joubert. South Africa's paint maker.

Humble Beginnings
In episode 29 of An Artist's Journey Podcast below you can listen to a fascinating interview with South African artist Joe Joubert.

Born in 1963 in the Kalahari region where arts and culture made way for sports and survival. Against this unlikely backdrop a school boy discovered his love for art. Self taught and inspired by South African art legends Joe supported himself as a freelancer while he studied fine art.

When the moment was right Joe launched his fine art career and has never looked back.

When Opportunity Knocks ...
You will also discover the true source of Joe Joubert's success. An inner discipline and fortitude to take action when opportunity shows itself. Joe's message to South Africans facing hardship is simple: be aware of opportunity and act on it. These are not hollow words as proven by Joe's achievements and skill at turning nothing into something extraordinary.

Joe has some golden advice for young artists too. It is not all about technology. Follow tried and tested methods to market your art, hone your skills and reach your ideal market.

The Quest for Master Paints
But it is in Joe Joubert's passion for paint making that you will discover inspiration for your own life. When Joe became frustrated by the lack of true artist quality paint in South Africa he decided to make his own.

Seeking knowledge from experts, experienced artists and countless hours of research Joe has finally unravelled the mystery of paint making. Not the cheap ersatz paints that crowd our shelves today. The real top quality paint that the old masters would be familair with. Free from foreign substances like binders, waxes and God knows what.

From Scrap Metal to Paint Making Machines
With his vision and work ethic Joe manages to turn scrap yard metal into the machines required to make the finest Renaissance paints. I am staggered to discover what raw materials go into art paints that we take for granted. That is part of the problem. We tend to take too much for granted when it comes to what we buy.

The Truth About Artist's Paint
What exactly goes into the paint you purchase? Are you getting value for money? What is the truth behind Flake white paint containing lead? What is South Africa's potential for becoming a paint making capital? Joe discusses these topics and more.

Do these scenarios apply to you?

Tired of paying a small fortune for artist quality paint?
Tried to buy paint from overseas only to be fleeced with exhorbitant import duties;
Unsatified with the pasty crud that comes out of paint tubes?

Then you will likely be contacting Joe Joubert Artist Paints soon.

And yes, you will find out what is the connection between Joe, Leonardo Da Vinci and aloe vera.

Listen to Episode 29:

Influences and Terms of Interest:
In this podcast Joe makes reference to a few artists and sources that you may want to follow up. Here are some that stand out: