Joey Shepp’s creativity spans many domains — from art and design to music, engineering, and martial arts. His work reflects a drive to explore form, pattern, and expression across disciplines, often blending technical mastery with artistic vision. Whether through building geometric sculptures, composing music, engineering structures, or practicing the flowing philosophy of Aikido, Joey demonstrates a lifelong commitment to creativity as a way of thinking and being.
Art & Design
Joey’s visual art practice includes painting, sculpture, and design, often exploring sacred geometry, nature, and architectural patterns. He was recognized as an Irwin Scholar for his sculpture Icosahedron, a large-scale geometric structure held together entirely with internal tension. The project required advanced mathematics, woodworking, and complex assembly, resulting in a striking form that seemed to defy gravity. He also received the Chancellor’s Award at UCSC and studied under renowned public artist Nobuho Nagasawa, later assisting her with global projects and portfolio development. Art continues to inform his design sensibilities and systems thinking.
Music & Composition
Joey is a self-taught, multi-instrumentalist composer whose music emphasizes improvisation and emotional depth. He plays piano, synthesizer, flutes (Native American, shakuhachi, quena, and silver flute), clarinet, hand drums, and handpan. His piano compositions in particular blend structure with spontaneity, creating soundscapes that are both meditative and expressive. Under the artist name Kenjo, Joey has produced and released more than 20 original tracks on SoundCloud, showcasing his ability to weave diverse instruments and styles into a unique musical voice.
Maker Projects & 3D Printing
Joey’s maker work reflects both technical skill and a passion for experimentation. He designed and built a treehouse using advanced engineering techniques, balancing structural integrity with aesthetic form. He also explores digital fabrication with his Bambu Labs X1 Carbon 3D printer, collaborating with his son on projects for their Etsy shop, 3D Printables by Devin. This ongoing mentorship blends creativity, entrepreneurship, and hands-on design, showing how making can strengthen both craft and community.
Aikido
Joey studied and taught Aikido, the Japanese martial art of peace, ultimately earning the rank of Shodan (1st-degree black belt). He trained under respected teachers including Forrest Kon Sensei, Russel Wimbsley Sensei, Martha Jordan Sensei, Yoshihito Shibata Sensei, and Linda Holiday Sensei, and also served as an assistant instructor at UCSC. Aikido’s philosophy — as expressed by founder Morihei Ueshiba, “To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace” — remains central to Joey’s worldview. Its principles of harmony, awareness, and fluid motion continue to influence his leadership and creative approach today.