Józef was born in 1953 in Staszów, south-eastern Poland. Originally trained and employed as a mechanic, he developed a passion for art later in life, painting as a self-taught hobbyist. He has been an active member of the Australian Polish Arts Society of SA since joining in 2013, and has exhibited regularly with the Society, including several appearances at the Dożynki Polish Festival.

In 2015, Józef completed a Bachelor of Justice and Society at Flinders University, which included two years of visual arts courses. His artistic interests are wide-ranging. He enjoys painting landscapes, flowers, still life, and abstract pieces, often inspired by whatever captures his imagination. He also experiments with sculpture and has a keen appreciation for form and texture.

Beyond the visual arts, Józef polishes precious stones and creates handmade jewellery. A craftsman at heart, he finds joy in working with his hands, whether through painting or shaping natural materials. A devoted animal lover, he shares his home with two dogs. Józef has two children and was widowed in 1977.

His favourite artists include Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso.