Joseph Brady - Positivity Artist

I paint my portraits because photography and painting are not interchangeable. They are separate languages. Each painting is defined by the natural lenses of the artist: observation, experience, imagination and occasionally consulting a reference.  My handmade mark affirms humanity in this digital age of artificial intelligence.

I paint bodies because all bodies deserve acceptance and appreciation. We are too easily swayed by misinforming mirrors. They reverse our image. They either expand or contract our true proportions. They catch us before we awaken completely. They portray us only at eye level. They remind us of how we used to look. They shouldn't be trusted.  We are further pressured by unfair and impossible societal norms.

My portraits shatter this misinformation. They display an image of yourself that you never see on your own. Sags turn to wisdom. Scars become badges of honor and bragging rights. Wrinkles become gentle character. And curves become grace. Fat is advocated. They reinforce healthy habits.

This is not only a portrait. It is a cathartic, transformative completely-human experience. All parts of a body deserve attention and appreciation.  Even knees, toes, belly buttons and the parts that society dictates we hide. All genders, ages, skin tones and body types.

Accomplishments and Juried Shows

• 2026, 2025 and 2024 Portland Erotic Ball exhibitor, Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
• 2026 Oregon Center for the Arts - Portraiture Exhibition, Downtown Portland, OR
• 2026 Oregon Center for the Arts - Figurative Arts Exhibition, Downtown Portland, OR
• 2026 -  Erotica, An Exhibition to Arouse 2026, Salem on the Edge Gallery, Salem, OR
• 2026 The Fat Con exhibitor, Seattle, WA
• 2026 Au Naturel International, Royal Nebeker Gallery, Astoria, OR
• 2026, 2025 and 2024 KinkFest exhibitor
• 2025 Oregon Center for the Arts (Formerly OSA) 12 X 12 exhibit, Portland OR
• 2026, 2025 Hipbone Art Studio Participant Artist Appreciation showcase, Portland, OR
• 2025 A Spectral Court: Halloween Masquerade Ball live artist invitation - Charmalee Custom events at Fairgrounds, Eugene, OR 
• 2025 To the Moon and the Stars Romantsy Ball live artist invitation - Charmalee Custom events at Sweet Cheeks Winery, Eugene, OR 
• 2025 Lake Oswego, OR Arts Festival
• 2025 Portland, OR, Gallery 114 "Small Wonders" exhibition
• 2025 Portland, OR, Gallery 114 "Undercurrents" exhibition
• 2025 Side Street Gallery figurative show
• 2025 and 2024 Salem, OR Arrowhead Lavender Farm Arts Show
• 2019 KPTV "On The Go with Joe" feature
• 2019 Clark County Recycled Arts Festival
• 2018 Custer Gift Show Invitational - Spokane, WA and Pasco, WA.