Joe Vaux is the offspring of two talented artists. He makes his living as a Director on the very popular “Family Guy” and slinging paints. His work has appeared in galleries around the universe. He and his family live in Los Angeles. You can see Joe’s artwork featured in a recent episode of Family Guy, head to about 8 minutes or check it out below in to see a glimpse of Joe Vaux’s backgrounds and artwork spliced into this episode.
1xRun Thru Interview
Blackend by Joe Vaux
1xRun: Tell us a bit about the original, is it still for sale?
Joe Vaux: The original was created in 2011 and is approximately 26″x36″. From start to finish it took approximately 30 hours.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Joe Vaux: “Blackened” is inspired by the Metallica song of the same name. It represents man’s rape of our beautiful planet. It was created under extreme physical and mental stress. I was directing and episode of Family Guy, writing an episode of Family Guy, Participating and eventually winning an episode of ABC’s “Wipeout”, Painting and trying to be a good dad. It was originally painted for a Metallica tribute show but because of some miscommunication ended up in the “Dark Pop 4” exhibition at the LAST RITES Gallery, New York.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece? Why should people buy this piece?
Joe Vaux: My son’s favorite stuffed animal makes a small cameo. People should buy this piece because it will look great on your wall.
1xRun: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
Joe Vaux: raw.
Blackend by Joe Vaux
1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Joe Vaux: I didn’t take painting and drawing seriously until 1988. That was the year I decided to make it my living. My first piece was Red 1.
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on?
Joe Vaux: My parents: Richard Vaux, Sandra Benny, along with H. Bosch, Frank Frazetta, Ralph Bakshi, Simon Bisley, Early Looney Tunes and Disney Animation.
1xRun: What artists inspire you now?
Joe Vaux: Nathan Spoor, Travis Louie, Dan May, Kevin Peterson, and countless others.
Charcoal Painting by Richard Vaux
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what? If not then what is your environment like when you work?
Joe Vaux: Yes. I recently got turned on to Iron Maiden. Holy Crap! Some of their early albums are awesome. I also love; Grandaddy, Pixies, Rush, Pink Floyd, Mr. Bungle, M83, Soundgarden, Ween, NIN, and tons of movie soundtracks.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why?
Joe Vaux: Not sure. Maybe a film maker. I’d love to make a movie.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any deceased artists who would it be and why?
Joe Vaux: Dr .Seuss. He was the “BOMB”!
Incidental Music by Theodore Giesel
1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it?
Joe Vaux: Yes. It was a painting by my talented friend Tim Brock.
1xRun: What was the last piece of art that you bought?
Joe Vaux: A small work by Travis Louie.
Travis Louie
1xRun: What else have you been up to? What else do you have coming up?
Joe Vaux: Well, I’m swamped at Family Guy Directing an episode that I co-wrote with my pal Dom Bianchi. Also, starting to organize a bunch of early work into a sort of story book/biography. And, I always have some new paintings in the works.
1xRun: Where else can people find you on the internette?
Joe Vaux: – Website – Facebook – Twitter –
-1xRUN