Biography

Joel Stehr is a Spokane, Washington artist whose work explores the relationship between light, color, and movement. Born and raised in Spokane, he has been drawing, painting, and building things since childhood, developing a visual language that blends expressive brushwork with a strong sense of design. Whether inspired by expansive Northwest landscapes, vibrant florals, or luminous cityscapes, his paintings emphasize atmosphere and emotion over strict realism, inviting viewers to experience familiar subjects in a fresh and personal way. In addition to painting, Stehr is internationally recognized for his handcrafted acoustic guitars—functional works of art that have found homes with musicians and collectors around the world. The same attention to craftsmanship carries into his paintings, including the custom hardwood frames he builds by hand for each piece. Stehr continues to live and create in Spokane, where he divides his time between the easel and the woodworking bench, pursuing a lifelong passion for making beautiful objects by hand.