Joel's Story
Joel's Thoughts on His Art
"Art is about life, growing up, and getting older.
My art is very serious to me.
I get my ideas from movies, rock and roll music, and family that I enjoy.
When I am doing my art it feels like I am free, sometimes free falling.
I just want a normal real life because love is real.
My nickname is 'J Positive' because I am a positive person.
It makes me feel very good when people like my art."
Joel's Thoughts on Down syndrome
Portfolio, Licensing Opportunities, and Commissions
As a way to further spread the joy of Joel's art we welcome any custom commissions or licensing opportunities, so please contact us at info@artbyjpositive.com. Here is the J Positive Art Portfolio for you to share and discuss with your colleagues. Thank you. 🙏
Biography
Born in 1995 in Ottawa, Canada, Joel "J Positive" Jamensky was diagnosed with Down syndrome. His parents immediately embraced the unexpected adventure they were about to embark on. Joel has developed his own unique artistic perspective which was encouraged by his Mom from a young age. His art has always brought joy to all who see it. Joel participates and exhibits in two local artistic and education groups in Ottawa, BEING and DragonFly, both who have been extremely supportive of Joel’s artistic vision, which continues to evolve.
In addition to his artistic endeavours, Joel also loves to cook, and is proud to have achieved his Kitchen Steward Certificate from Algonquin College. He has worked in multiple professional kitchens, and also considers cooking another form of art. The two years of COVID were a difficult time for Joel, as his long time kitchen job and all his other in-person programs were discontinued. He struggled with isolation, mental health, and depression. However he took that opportunity to spend more time on his art, and we were encouraged to launch the Art By J Positive store in February 2022. This has given Joel a newfound sense of pride.
Joel enjoys movies and sports, and continues to play on his special needs hockey team - the Capital City Condors - while also cheering for the Ottawa Senators in his spare time. He has been an accomplished downhill skier since 5 years old and participates in Special Olympics. Joel is also proud to say that he is currently attending Algonquin College, and when not at school he of course continues his artistic endeavours.
Joel resides in Ottawa today with his family.
In the News
- CBC radio interview, for Maker Bright Christmas series, November 2024.
- Joel's Dad on why Joel is the wisest, original recording from The Moth StorySLAM, which resulted in viral video watched over 4 million times.
- CBC television feature, radio spot, and in-depth story, April 2024.
- Online article in Love What Matters, December 2023.
- Front page article in both the Ottawa Citizen and Ottawa Sun newspapers, March 2023.
- Television feature on CTV National News, November 2022.
- Online article in Carleton University's Capital Current, September 2022.
- Cover article in Centrepointe & City View, July 2022.
The J Positive Creative Process
Art Exhibitions and Recognition
- Art currently exhibited at Around the Block Butcher & Market, from November 2024.
- Created album artwork for Dennis Ellsworth, Hardcore Freewheelin'.
- Winner of the 2024 Brandon Gruber Scholarship from the National Down Syndrome Society.
- DIYabled and This Body is Worthy Disability Pride Art Show, at the Pack Memorial Library in Asheville, North Carolina, July 2024.
- Art currently exhibited at Petit Bill's Bistro, from February 2024.
- Featured in HNDL Magazine, an online e-zine that highlights neurodivergent and disabled life and their artistic creations, November 2023.
- Art exhibited at Arlington Five (A5), and window display (pictured) at 508 Bank which is their sister store and upcoming home of Take Five, September 2023-February 2024.
- DIYabled and This Body is Worthy Unrecognized Potential - Disability Pride Art Show, at Different Wrld in Asheville, North Carolina July-August 2023.
- The Holy Art Gallery virtual exhibit, June-July 2023.
- Art exhibited at Simply Biscotti, April 2023-September 2024.
- Featured guest artist of Rita Winkler Art, first featured in January 2023.
- DIYabled Unrecognized Potential - Disability Pride Art Show, at Revolve in Asheville, North Carolina July-August 2022.
- Currently showcased on the MFF creative network, first featured in June 2022.
- Tangled Art and Disability BEING exhibition in Toronto, Ontario January-April 2022.
- Multiple exhibitions at BEING studio and Dragonfly in Ottawa, Ontario starting from 2017.