Born Birrell Josef Mendelson on July 30th, 1944 in Toronto, Canada, Mr. Joe is a great Canadian original who has established himself as a consummate multi-media artist.

A self-taught guitarist since age eleven, Mr. Joe's musical career spans four decades; he is a prolific songwriter and a recognized guitar master.

In 1975, Mr.  Joe rescued some derelict paints from the garbage, and tried painting "just to see what it was like". A distinct style soon evolved. Today, Mendelson Joe's painting's are internationally recognized as outstanding, unique, examples of contemporary Canadian art.

His work is housed at the Art Bank (a government-owned art collection), and in numerous private and corporate collections worldwide.

In March 2000 Mendelson Joe realized his longtime dream and exited the city of Toronto. He now resides in a log cabin surrounded by forest in the Almaguin Highlands.