j&m studio works in progress

I classify myself as a narrative artist. When designing and constructing my art I have a concept of what I am trying to express with the images in my artwork.  I usually work in series delving into various themes and images.  One reoccurring theme I use deals with the physical and inner being. This series is where I started incorporating boxes within my pieces.  My artwork has developed into a menagerie of materials and techniques that I use to complete the artwork. My art includes three-dimensional, two-dimensional and combining the two & three dimensional pieces to create one artwork. My artwork includes various methods and materials; cast bronze, clay, fiberglass, fabric, cast paper, slumped glass, found objects, acrylic paintings, colored pencils, pastels, and graphite. My concepts delve in various series dealing with the physical and spiritual being, religion, politics, love, bondage, family and friends, reincarnation, my dreams, spiritual world. Producing art for 50 years has allowed me the freedom to experiment with various materials and a variety of themes that exist in my life. My art work has been shown in various types of shows: museums, municipal/city, universities, galleries, juried, invitational, group and solo shows.  My art is numerous collections: municipal, university, gallery and private.  Beside producing artwork for myself, I have completed commissions for universities, art centers and private collectors.

I currently work out of my studio in Vienna, Illinois.  My studio is the back half of the building which also houses the Art Gallery Off the Square an art classroom and Marie's sewing and quilting studio. With the 3,000 square feet and a 20 foot ceiling with clerestory windows I have a studio that supports creativity.

I was born and lived in Marion, Indiana until moving to Martin, Tennessee during my junior year in high school.  My artistic interest started at a young age with the encouragement of my parents. My artwork in metal casting is partially the result of visiting my father at the foundry where he was chief metallurgical engineer. 

I received a Bachelors of Fine Arts with a major in Sculpture and a minor in Art History from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Masters of Art in Sculpture with a minor in design materials from Murray State University and Educational Specialist with a concentration in Instructional Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University. I have taught art for over 40 years in junior high, high school and college level programs.  Joseph has conducted and given numerous presentations and workshops. Along with my teaching responsibilities, I have always maintained a studio.