Chrysalis

A charcoal render of winding flesh
Siren, 2023, 19x24, Charcoal on Bristol
A tree of human flesh and bones
Embrace, 2023, 19x24, Charcoal on Bristol
Mountains of bone
Solitude, 2023, 19x24, Charcoal on Bristol
Trees made of human limbs
Agony, 2023, 19x24, Charcoal on Bristol
Figures bowing to a dark creature
The Path, 2023, 19x24, Charcoal on Bristol
Eggs in a hive
The Door of Truth and Lie, 2023, 19x24, Charcoal on Bristol
Several houses made of moth wings
The Wiseman, 2023, 19x24, Charcoal on Bristol
Creatures reaching towards a blinding white light
Within You All Along, 2023, 19x24, Charcoal on Bristol
Porcelain statues of a moth upon a human
The Wiseman, 2023, 17x10in, Gouache on Porcelain
Porcelain statue
The Vessel, 2023, 10x8 in, Gouache on Porcelain

 

The goal of Joseph鈥檚 work  is to merge the physical, metaphysical, and transcendence of form. Through drawing and sculpture, he explores the human body immersed and fragmented in landscapes inspired by biomechanical systems. On this path of combining realism with fantasy and entering the realm of the surreal, emphasis has been placed on sensitively rendering the forms of the body to highlight the contrast between horror and the macabre with beauty and mystery. His artistic affinities lie primarily with H.R. Giger and Yoshitaka Amano. Other important influences to him are Samwise Didier, Yoji Shinkawa, and Ruan Jia.

 

Calling upon such timeless themes as the hero鈥檚 journey, his work takes inspiration from equally timeless classics like The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Jim Henson鈥檚 Labyrinth and The Neverending Story. There is also no shortage of inspiration from the realm of video games, drawing upon such beloved titles as the Greek and Roman mythology of Rygar, and the biomechanical universe of Metroid. He is drawn to these themes because of the power they have to evoke strong emotions from deep within ourselves, giving us the ability to confront, question, and embrace these complex feelings while experiencing the ultimate metamorphosis of becoming your best, complete self. We are all on the path of the hero鈥檚 journey whether we realize it or not, and one of the greatest obstacles, afterall, can be ourselves.

 

In his early development, Joseph began his art journey by creating art of existing characters from various media, as well as his own original designs. The joy of creating flourished within as he was able to share this joy with others. Between then and now, his connection with art dimmed for a time. In recent years, the need to take his art more seriously bubbled to the surface. It was at this juncture that he searched within to reconnect with the creativity that had been stuffed down for so long, and made the decision to return to school. The ability to lose oneself in the infinity of creative space is a gift. One he won't make the mistake of letting go of again.