If you look closely enough, you can find consistent patterns that tie together anything from a constellation to the petals of a flower. Although mathematical sequences, humans' thumbprints and the inside of a tree trunk may seem to have nothing in common at first glance, their unique shapes share eerily similar designs. These patterns are the primary inspiration for the work of Lancaster-based artist JJ Roach, who was a finalist in a statewide art competition held in September.

For the third consecutive year, JJ was selected as a finalist in the State Museum of Pennsylvania's annual Art of the State juried competition. JJ and 95 other artists from across Pennsylvania were chosen out of more than 600 artists and 2,000 entries. The finalists' artworks, which include paintings, digital media, photographs and sculptures, are featured in an exhibit at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. The exhibit opened on Sept. 8, and it will remain at the museum until January 2025.

The exhibit includes JJ's piece "Celestial Nights," an intricate pen-on-paper drawing that contains hundreds of stars and small shapes. Like nearly all of JJ's artworks, "Celestial Nights" was inspired by a specific pattern found in nature, and the drawing took him several months to complete. Last year, JJ won first place in the Art of the State contest for his piece "Celestial Dreams," and he was the youngest artist to be selected for the show in 2022 when he was 18 years old.

JJ and his mother, Carol, traveled to Harrisburg for the opening of this year's exhibit, where JJ met hundreds of other artists and shared a few words about his drawing. "With JJ's art, you just have to stand there and focus to take it all in," Carol said. "We met a lot of people who really liked his work, and he was just honored to be picked as a finalist."

In April 2025, JJ will have a display of artworks at the Lancaster Art Vault, 100 N. Queen St., Lancaster. The exhibit will include JJ's photograph "Finding Joseph's Colors," a black and white self-portrait that stands out from the rest of his pieces. "(Finding Joseph's Colors) represents a feeling of humility and the journey to find my own colors and my life's purpose," JJ said. Carol added that JJ feels his life's purpose is to help others find their colors in the same way he found his calling as an artist.

In recent months, JJ has been working on a new drawing titled "Seasons." Although the new piece follows his theme of drawing inspiration from complex patterns found in nature, JJ has been branching out to work in photography and other mediums this year. JJ also said he has started searching for patterns and complexities in music, compiling thousands of songs into playlists that feature piano compositions and numerous genres. JJ plans to create a YouTube channel in the near future as a way to share art and his other passions.

"I found inspiration in natural patterns by doing things my way. Anyone can go down their own path," said JJ. "I plan to just keep making stuff that is as unique as possible but still follows the same pattern."