ArtIST: JoKa

This week's artIST is JoKa, a North Jersey transplant whose approach to art is self-described as "tongue-in-cheek." JoKa's artwork is admittedly satirical with his humor, albeit dark and twisted, being a common thread. Says JoKa, "I'm very serious about not taking my art too seriously." A quick look through JoKa's online gallery reveals a unique sense of humor, with themes of pop culture, sex, beauty, violence, and consumption prevalent among his art. However, JoKa's approach to his art is no laughing matter; he explains that there is always a guiding force, meaning or idea behind every piece. Similarly, JoKa's artistic technique is premeditated and carefully organized.

For someone whose subject matter tends toward the comical, it's interesting to note that JoKa paints exclusively with a technique he refers to as "hyperpointillism." A meticulous, painstaking process, the artist paints tiny dots which when viewed from a short distance, collectively form the overall piece. But, JoKa doesn't employ a paintbrush; he uses toothpicks. Yes, you read that correctly. Toothpicks.

A far cry from his training in graphic design (JoKa attended the Art Institute), the hyperpointillism technique is a tedious and time consuming process. But, to JoKa, the pros supersede