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"Our cities, our technology and our architecture give us the illusion of controlling nature when, in fact, it is nature that controls us."
--Antony Brown, Director of Ecosa Institute

Our world is comprised of many environments with which we interact on a daily basis. The erection of society and culture grows from the seeds of our collective and individualized understanding of, and connections with, the spatial elements that surround us. I place these elements into my work with a conscious recognition that one?s view is, fundamentally, a product of one?s inherited and learned observations of the world. I address primarily natural environments as well as urban and cityscapes; environments of the spirit, and environments of the body. Our symbiotic relationship with these environments demands responsible attention to preserve society's connections with them.

Raised under the wings of artists, Joshua Wolff's early connections to the visual art form dawned from his family's association with ceramics and painting. Having grown up in the diverse seasonal changes of the North and Southwest regions of the United States, his interests in geology and topography are a direct result of his equally impassioned interests in the exploration of the land. Wolff's influences are wide and varied, spanning from Caravaggio's luminary originality to post modernism potentialities.

In December of 2005, Wolff received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Northern Arizona University. He has been a professional artist for almost a decade, exhibiting work in various local venues as well as a frequently updated online portfolio. Specializing in painting, drawing, and photography, his use of various mediums has expanded to many other areas of artistry, demonstrating an incorporated, innovative personal style. From his early student days of experimentational layering of techniques, to the various textures of eclectic abstraction, which continue to blossom, to this day, into a single cohesive vision, Wolff continues to work with many mediums in exploration of the human landscape.

J R WOLFF
Visual Artist and Art Teacher

Education:
Graduate Work: MED
Undergrad Work: BFA

Exhibitions:
www.myspace.com/wolffdesignsart
2005 - Present

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA. 2005. Senior Studio Exhibit, BFA show: "Beyond Borders"

www.absolutearts.com/wolffdesigns
World Wide Arts Resources. 2004 - Present

Aristocraft Studios, Flagstaff, AZ, USA. 2004. Featured Artist in November 2004.

Black Hound Gallerie, Flagstaff, AZ, USA. Solo exhibition 2003.

Art One Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ, USA. 2000-2001.



Favorite Artistic Medium: Painting/mixed

Favorite Arthistory Movement: Abstract Art - (1910 - )

Favorite Visual Artist: God

Favorite Work of Art: Earth

Biggest Artistic Inspiration:
With all of our modern advances in science and technology, we are still not able to comprehend the awe-inspiring complexities and powers of Nature. These pieces reflect the spirituality I find in Nature. I compose with the 'natural' world in my mind's eye; our many connections with it, our inspirations that are birthed from observing it, and our ever-increasing desecration of it.
Wim Zweers puts it best in his book, Participating with Nature: Outline for an Ecologization of our World View, when he states, "?participating with nature is not only a possibility for modern people, an option that can be chosen at the personal level, but also a social necessity, at least if we wish to strike at the roots of the environmental crisis. Environmental problems confront us with a fundamental crisis of modern Western culture. If we wish to overcome this crisis, a new concept of culture is needed: one in which separation between humans and nature makes way for connectedness, and exploitation is replaced by experience of meaning." I address this 'connectedness' I feel personally with the natural environment.


Reviews:
Very impressive! I will always be able to say, I knew him when... I still have your painting on my wall, and still love it. I feel very lucky to have it. -Julie Rodriguez

A very impressive body of work! -Gail R.

Enjoyed viewing your portfolio. Particularly liked 'Calm before the Storm' 'Volcanic Dusk' and 'Evening Reunion'! Youre right; nature is so 'mindboggling' & infinite! -Rick Benning

very esthetic site - I love the atmosphere of pureness that I can find in your work. -Franziska Turek

I get a strong impression of looking at 'scientific' images...meaning that they look sometimes constructed, sometimes dissected, and address my brain more than my feelings. My favorite piece in your work are the two photos of the hill and the lonely tree on top of another hill. I also like UTURN -Yoli Salmona

I was blown away seeing your new large works. The overall size, thought provoking shape and texture, and use of color that steps outside of what is common today; has me seeing you and your tallents in a whole new way. It's great to know you as a friend, and a person of vast ability to express. Good for you and all who get a bit of what you create. -Louis Buchetto


Feedback is always Welcome!

Hobbies / Interests:
Cinema, chess, guitar, piano, photography, reading, writing.

Sports:
Basketball, bowling, camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, racquetball, rock climbing, sky diving, squash.

Ongoing Studies:
Cultural awareness, diversity appreciation, geography, topography, spiritual and sociological research, and various languages.