I’m Cody Joseph Painter & I consider myself a true artist. Not because I am particularly talented or successful, or my work is particularly important, but because creative expression is innate to the point of compulsion. I simply have no choice but to create, create, create, and gain as much creative skill as possible. My art is inspired by nature, philosophy and a drive to seek diverse perspectives & empathy for all people. I am the fifth-generation born in a rural northern California town; descended from Cornish Gold Rush miners. I was born too deep a thinker, too curious & too motivated to stay in this conservative & limiting part of the world and spent much of my life exploring as much of the world as I could. I’ve lived in San Francisco, Tokyo, New York City, Mexico City, Oaxaca & New Orleans, and each place taught me a little more about my place in this world.

Due to my burning curiosity & creative compulsion, I am skilled in a large variety of creative disciplines including; sculpture, photography, digital design, creative writing, wood carving, sewing, macrame, & painting. I also read & write music, play Trumpet, Ukulele, & Guitar, and speak Spanish & Japanese. My primary focus is sculptural, and I’m often combining materials & techniques in my mixed- media works. I don’t have a defining “style” per se, but I find myself revisiting certain bold, colorful aesthetics frequently. 

As for the “credentials”; I graduated high school as a Valedictorian in 2000, then double-majored in Japanese & Dramatic Arts at the University of California, Santa Barbara, graduating in 2004. I am quite proud to have completed two majors without overlap in 4 years with honors, while working 4 jobs, and a year abroad!  These days, I can’t imagine where I found the energy! During college, I spent a year living in Japan studying at the preeminent Tokyo University, one of the defining experiences of my life. A bunch of years later, I got it into my head that I needed more schooling & got my MFA in Web Design & New Media from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

I’m currently back home in Nevada County, California, freelancing as a Graphic & Web Designer, making art, and landscaping while saving for the big dream, The Art Farm, a creative & intellectual retreat in Mexico. I am deeply, passionately motivated about this project, which represents the culmination of a life of creative & philosophical exploration, and my opportunity to share my wisdom & skills to make this world just a little bit better. 

Thank you so much for your support. It means the world to me.