Sometimes, passion finds you when you least expect it. For Joseph Frew-Miller, painting wasn’t part of his lifelong plan—it began with a simple Christmas gift. In 2021, Joseph bought his husband, Charlie, an art set. Charlie never got around to painting because he has so many other interests, so Joseph decided to give it a try. “I fell in love with painting,” he recalls.

In the three short years since, Joseph has poured himself into his art. Working primarily with acrylics, he paints what moves him—sometimes imitating, sometimes inventing, always exploring. His style is ever-changing, reflecting both his willingness to experiment and the deeply personal nature of his work. Recently, he’s been adding texture to his paintings, creating pieces you can almost feel before you even touch them.

Many of his favorite works carry a story: two self-portraits that speak to his journey of self-discovery, a ship painting that earned Honorable Mention from the Savannah Arts Association, and works tied to people, places, and moments that have shaped his life. “I paint what I see, but also what I remember and cherish,” he explains.

Originally from Donalsonville, Georgia, Joseph spent years in Atlanta and Gainesville before he and Charlie—originally from Cedartown—made Ardsley their home four years ago. The neighborhood’s charm, history, and sense of community have given Joseph a place to grow, both as a person and as an artist.

Whether working on a new textured canvas or revisiting familiar subjects, Joseph’s art reflects the same curiosity and openness that led him to pick up a paintbrush in the first place. His journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to discover a hidden talent—and that sometimes, the best gifts are the ones you give yourself.