It's no mystery that JD (Joshua Dimitri) Shultz grew up to be an artist. JD's parents were both professional artists. Sculptor/painter Carole Shultz and multi-media painter, Jack Shultz were well known throughout Southern California in the 70's and 80's. Along with his artist siblings, Adam and Rachel, the family breathed, worked and took joy in creating art.
To this day, there are thousands of people from all over the world that have decorated their homes or offices with the work of all 5 family members. JD captures the mind, soul and inner spirit through a body of work best described as "complexity at its most whimsical.” His paintings range from dreamlike cityscapes to thought provoking abstracts and fantasy surrealistic pop. His innovative use of acrylics painted on the reverse side of Plexiglas produce images that explode off the surface. Each piece treats the mind to a happy but still intense experience of color and design.
JD’s work is in the private collections of Larry King, Ryan Seacrest, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Mario Lopez, Alanis Morissette, Ric Ocasek, all members of the rock band "Rush", actress Joely Fisher and entertainer Connie Stevens, to name a few.
JD is also quite the philanthropist. His artwork has been auctioned and sold at major events:
The Grammy’s/MusiCares Foundation (honoring Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, Don Henley, Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond and Neil Young)
RADD (Rock Against Drunk Driving)
The City of Hope
The American Heart Association
Beverly Hills Firemen's Association
Barbra Streisand's Women's Heart Disease Foundation
Hillsides
The Drukpa Foundation
The Drop in the Bucket Foundation
ArtworxLA
The Art Of Elysium
Miracle Flights For Kids.
His work has raised almost $200,000 for some of these notable charities.
JD's early artistic palette was further expanded by his passion for rock and soul music. As a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer, mixer and award winning songwriter, JD has written and recorded music since his late teens. These roots advanced his expression of color and design, giving an innate sense of rhythm and motion to his paintings. JD wrote and produced his first solo record in 2010 entitled "Human Brother" 'Vision Days On The Life Ride' which received Grammy consideration in 8 categories. JD’s follow-up Human Brother album released in 2015 titled “Back to Music” received Grammy consideration in 11 categories. Both albums are available here at jdshultz.com.
“We are all artists when we come into this world; pure as a child and a box of crayons. If we just held on to that childlike innocence throughout our lives, every living person would be giving their art, making the earth more colorful than ever. Creative expression is the best way to communicate your true self.” ~ JD Shultz
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
"I love JD's art. His work is both inspiring and timeless. My entire family enjoys the bright and youthful ambiance his art brings to a room." Actor/Musician ~Will Smith
“JD's art just brings a smile to my face.” ~Larry King
"I first viewed JD's art at a friend’s home. Since then he has been one of my favorite artists. His bright colors and relaxing subject matter keep me forever young." Hall of Fame quarterback ~Steve Young