Joel Ray is a contemporary American artist/painter from Houston, TX, recognized for his masterful techniques, visionary use of color, and his passion for expression through art that has brought life to his visions on canvas.

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Joel is inspired by the energy and spirituality found in the human experience, enabling his freedom to pursue several styles and themes through oil and canvas.

At only 22 years old, Joel exploded onto the art scene when he accidentally got discovered through a customer while working at a grocery store. His doodling on a receipt not only caught this man's attention, but eventually turned into an incredible mentorship relationship that took Joel's talents and career to new heights, pushing him to pursue his life through his love of painting. Joel continued to create master works, hosting solo shows, collaborating with multiple celebrities, Non-Profits, and luxury brands.

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Fast forward to 2022, Joel endured multiple surgeries including an open heart surgery, saving his life and giving him a new chance at life and sense of self.

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The brand NVR Connected was formed in Houston with the idea that he was never connected to the mainstream thoughts, always seeing things differently, and creating high end abstract yet meaningful art. Keeping the storytelling in the art the focus, characters in these paintings developed and have evolved to have their own identity within the brand.