Joel Cameron — STOLEN illustration competition winner

Recently, illustrator, graphic artist and sculptor Joel Cameron, aka DARKOYO took out the prize for best bottle illustration for STOLEN Rum. That means his work, a moody, figurative sketch of the SPIRIT OF STOLEN, will grace a limited edition series of the sleek STOLEN bottles, an honour for the rum aficionado. We spoke to Joel about his extensive body of work, and the inspirations that help him to create.

Tell us about your day job, Joel.

I’m currently working in the art department at a teeshirt printing factory, as an art director for Totem skate school and Nightmare Skateboards, along with a lot of freelance specifically skateboard companies. I’m also a practicing artist who has been in involved in a variety of shows around Australia. My next one is called Mo Munny Mo Problems, and will take place at Laced in Brisbane.

What inspires your work?

I have always drawn. I began from a very young age mostly trying to mimic my father’s Mad comics, and I still have a large comic collection which always serve as great reference. Besides comics, skateboarding opened a new world for me creatively, as I became obsessed with board graphics, styles and the printing process they use to put them on a skateboard.

So what’s the thread that joins it all together?

My work is illustration based, ranging from ink drawings, digital imaging and expanded to the third dimension through sculpture. Symbolism, animals and spirits are all referenced in my work and are influences when it comes to creating an artwork. Although my work is translated into many mediums such as plywood, canvas, digital and paper – line illustration is the cornerstone.

What music and artists are you into at the moment?

I am into all sorts of music from hip hop to old school hardcore. Patti Smith, Black Devil, Sparks, Suicide, Birthday Party. Black Flag, New Kingdom and Blonde Redhead. Artists I love include We Buy Your Kids, Ed Tempelton, Jim Phillips, Mark Whalen (Kill Pixie), Garry Trinh, Mike Mignola and Evan Hecox.

And what’s your favourite STOLEN rum drink?

A New Old Fashioned. My wife put a twist on an Old Fashioned with guava juice, star anise, ginger beer, a cinnamon stick, lime, lemon, bitters, mint, strawberry, orange, cucumber and of course STOLEN White rum.

To see more of Joel’s work, visit his website.