2023 Poster “Eastern Shore” by Joe Seme Available for Pre-sale on September 1

Step into a world of timeless artistry and captivating nostalgia as we proudly unveil the 2023 Featured Poster for the Waterfowl Festival. This year’s masterpiece comes to life through the brushstrokes of the esteemed painter and longstanding exhibitor, Joe Seme.

About the Artist

Hailing from New Jersey, Seme’s journey in art began in 1946. Although born in the Garden State, his heart found a home in North Carolina, where he has spent the majority of his life. His artistic journey led him down a self-taught path, culminating in his full-time commitment to painting in 1973. After two decades nestled in the North Carolina mountains, Joe now draws inspiration from the tranquil beauty of a salt marsh in Wilmington.

A Glimpse into Seme’s Artistry

Seme’s artwork transcends time, embodying the allure of bygone eras. His passion for objects with stories, like books, decoys, antiques, and collectibles, infuses his creations with a unique depth. As an avid collector, Joe curates treasures from old bookstores, cherished friends, dear family, and treasured memories. It’s within these treasures that his masterpieces take form. His still life “trompe l’oeil” paintings, capturing the essence of objects, carry the whispers of stories and memories that shape his vision.

“This is the most complicated painting I’ve done in many years. I could have simplified it a bit and saved myself a lot of work, but I just kept getting ideas. Can’t explain it. It’s just the way my artist’s brain works!”

-Joe Seme