Willis Art

Living Room

2011-09-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

Pictures of my latest project. So glad it's done! So is Chuela, my dog.

Back Porch Compendium, July 2011

2011-07-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

This project was made possible by many friends and loved ones. It is a space composed of many types of stone, bricks of various time and origin and recycled concrete... It is also my back porch. Next I plan to build a shade structure over it.

My brother (in red) and dog help to set the pavers.

Details and placement

The finished product.

PAS (Placitas Artist Series), Placitas, NM, May, 2011

2011-05-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

top: facing south
bottom: facing north

2011-05-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

one day at a time

Joshua Willis, Klee Kitchen, 2011, 12"x12"

2011-04-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

Joshua Willis, Phreatophyte, 2011, 18"x18"

2011-04-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

Making the Mandala, December 19, 2010

2010-12-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

photos by Christopher Barber

Joshua Willis

I begin the outline of the 20' diameter circle for the Open Space Mandala. With the help of 25 people, cooperative weather and roughly 200 migratory birds (Sandhill Cranes and Canada Geese) we begin a creative process and offering.

2010-12-30T14:45:00.000-08:00

2010-12-30T14:42:00.000-08:00

MANDALA at the Open Space

2010-12-30T14:09:00.000-08:00

The mandala which appears before you is composed of grains. These grains are a common supplement in the fall and winter diet of the Sandhill Crane and many other migratory birds. We have created this mandala as an offering to these migratory species, and as a unifying structure for the communities of people who choose to preserve the habitats and species of the Middle Rio Grande.
This mandala is designed to slowly disappear over the course of nine days as migratory birds consume their fill. It was created on December 19th and will remain in place until December 28th at the Open Space Visitor Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Joshua Willis 2010

Lord Byron Poem

2010-11-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods;
There is a rapture on the lonely shore;
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man less, but Nature more...
--Lord Byron

The Inpost / Outpost Benefit Exhibit Reception November 5th

2010-11-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

Had a piece in the show. A link to the INPOST: http://www.outpostspace.org/inpost

Link to the Placitas Artist Series:

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http://www.placitasarts.org/may.html

I am preparing a series of new works for this show in May 2011.

Link to the Mariposa Gallery

2010-10-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.mariposa-gallery.com/artists/willis.html

2010-10-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

Photo view of the kitchen of Paul Klee's home in Dessau, Germany.
I am using it as inspiration for my next art work. The image is courtesy of James Koehler.

Azul, 2010

2010-08-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

This work gets its flavor from a pack trip I just took into the Pecos with my new dog Chuela. The grasses, the forests, the river were a bluegreen hue. A color I need to see and experience with my own eyes.

New Growth, Joshua Willis, Mariposa Gallery, 2010

2010-05-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Nobel

2010-04-25T09:35:00.001-07:00

Arroyo

2010-04-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

2010-03-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

2010-03-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

2010-03-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

Lost (and Found) in Open Space, Albuquerque, NM, 2010

2010-03-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

Countless volunteer clean-up efforts have allowed for a pure experience when enjoying Open Space properties. Illegal dump sites, arroyo debris, river garbage and unofficial shooting ranges are just some examples of the sites we target for clean-up. The fringe of the City of Albuquerque is always expanding. Over decades the technologies that we consume and discard have changed significantly. One can stumble across a range of artifacts while walking in an Open Space property. The Native Americans left pot shards, litchis and skillfully crafted tools behind. The Spanish brought with them metals such as copper and steel. The Europeans brought glass bottles, China and enameled utensils. We discover car parts, tools of various alloy and now even plastic products of modernity.

This show can be seen at the Open Space Visitor Center from March - April 2010

For more details:

http://www.cabq.gov/openspace/LostandFound.html

Migration, Feb. 2010

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Wall detail from architecture at Chaco Canyon, January 2010

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Curio @ the OSVC, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2010

2010-01-30T11:27:00.000-08:00

Grecian, 2010

2010-01-06T10:14:00.001-08:00

2009-11-13T19:54:00.000-08:00

Richard Levy Gallery, Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 2009

This work is called "Guns and Roses." It was an enameled bowl, found by a friend and given to me, with bullet holes. This work is 5"x5" and would be considered an ornament.

LAND/ART NEW MEXICO 2009

2009-06-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

This link will take you to a show that I am very proud to have brought to life with the help of all the artist participating and 516 arts. The link will lead you to the LAND/ART New Mexico website were you can see all the projects occurring from June - September based on land art. Open Space has sponsored several of the projects which can be viewed as you hike in the Rio Grande Bosque. Please go to the Open Space Visitor Center to collect a map of these site.

www.landartnm.org/open-space.html
or

www.cabq.gov/openspace/LANDART2009.html

Painted Jetty Jacks
Zach Meisner

Arboreal Dome
Benjamin Forgey

Link to West/Southwest

2009-06-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

A link to a recent show that I participated in call West/Southwest. The show was set up so that I would be simultaneously displaying work in Los Angeles and Albuquerque. Artists were invited to attend an opening in ABQ. and a closing in LA. The show was very successful and fun. I was please to have been part of the festivities.

www.516arts.org/exhibitions_pages/westsouthwestdetails.html

Outpost June/July 2009, Natural World

2009-06-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

My friends Sayrah and Marsaya at the opening.

willis art @ the 516 gallery Albuquerque, NM 2009

2009-04-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

Willis art @ the 516 gallery

2009-04-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

Willis Bio.

2009-02-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

Joshua Willis is a mixed media artist and native of New Mexico. He received his BFA in photography from the University of New Mexico. During his undergraduate years he studied at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland for a one year exchange program. This experience afforded him an encounter with Thomas Cooper, director of the Glasgow School's photography program, who helped hone Willis' artistic perspective. Returning to Albuquerque Willis found that his artistic vision had evolved away from the craft of photography to a more hands on tactile art from. Elements such as balance, harmony, diversity began to form the basis of his art language. Using materials such as scrap metal, wood and paint his work now describes the intrinsic properties found in healthy natural landscapes. Willis believes in nature's ability to return to balance no matter how poorly it is managed. Willis currently works as an Open Space Coordinator. He maintains the gallery at the City of Albuquerque Open Space Visitor Center. His works can be found in many private collections and may be viewed upon request at the Mariposa Gallery in Albuquerque.

Water Table, Wood, Acrylic, 2008

2008-10-07T13:10:00.001-07:00

2008-09-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

2008-09-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

Epoch- a point of time distinguished by a particular event or state of affairs; a memorable date

2008-08-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Great Blue Heron

2008-08-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

A fortunate photographic moment. A GBH in Seattle. This site was at one time a garbage dump. It is now a beautiful wetland. This photograph is an example of natures ability to return to a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

Art for the fall and winter months

2008-08-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

I have begun a series of eight works! I have not been working much lately, but that shall change. I have made it a goal to do a series of small works. I shall post them as they come to fruition.

Best,

Joshua Willis

p.s. This is an installation I made at work. It's made of buffalo gourds, salt ceder, coyote willow, cholla

2008-05-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

Places to Go

2008-04-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

Great sites:
The Chinati Foundation in Marfa http://www.chinati.org/

John Chamberlain http://www.chinati.org/visit/collection/johnchamberlain.php

Donald Judd http://www.chinati.org/visit/collection/donaldjudd.php

Dia Center http://www.diacenter.org/

2008-04-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

After a long lull... I have made a piece I am quite proud of. I may need to keep this one in my personal collection.

Land of Enchantment

2008-04-20T10:18:00.001-07:00

2008-04-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

2008-04-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Joshua Willis, Jazz, 2007, 15"x15"

2007-11-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

Joshua Willis, Tectonic, 2007, 15"x15"

2007-11-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

Joshua Willis, Constellation, 2007, 24"x24"

2007-11-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

This piece will be part of a recycled art show happening at the OutPost preformance space in Albuquerque, NM.

2007-08-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

Work at the Ferrin Gallery Massachusetts. This is a group show called "Deeply Superficial."

2007-08-14T09:06:00.001-07:00

Lobby #2

2007-08-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Piano Key, 2006

2007-07-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

Lobby 2007

2007-07-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

Shallow Water #2

2007-07-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Link to the Ferrin Gallery

2007-07-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

The Ferrin Gallery has recently opened a show titled "Deeply Superficial." DEEPLY SUPERFICIAL, a group show, will feature the work of seven artists exploring the impact of various surface treatments on the visual quality of their work. Please click the link to view http://www.ferringallery.com/dynamic/exhibit_artist.asp?ExhibitID=179

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Artist Resume

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JOSHUA R. WILLIS
grandewaters@gmail.com
Blog: willisart.blogspot.com

EDUCATION

University of New Mexico, B.F.A., Alb., NM
Glasgow School of Design and Architecture, One year exchange, Glasgow, Scotland
UNM/SFPS Teacher Ed. and Mentoring Program, Santa Fe, NM

EXHIBITIONS/ GRANTS

1998
“Collision”- A group show exploring the diversity of mixed media, SUB Gallery, Albuquerque, New Mexico, June – August

“ID”- A group show exploring the fingerprint, UNM Student Gallery, Albuquerque, New Mexico, January – Feb.

2000
Appointed Assistant Supervisor of the University of New Mexico Photo Lab

2001
“Roots and Routes”- A group show exploring the significance of place and identity, Magnifico Arts Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico, Reviewed by Luis Jimenez, Truman Lowe, Rebecca Solnit

2003
Partners in Education, wrote and acquired a grant for emerging artists, Santa Fe, New Mexico

“Twelve by Twelve”- A group show containing size specific works, 707 Contemporary, Santa Fe, New Mexico, June – August

“Assembly”- A one man show, Bang Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sept. - Oct.

2004
Madonna Daniel Grant, A grant for emerging artists, Harwood Art Space, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Madonna Daniel Grant Recipients Show, Harwood Art Space, Albuquerque, New Mexico

2005
“Small Wonders”- A group show exploring the work of artists who work small, Harwood Art Space, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sept. – Aug.

“Harmonize”- A solo show of work exploring the theme of harmony, Mariposa Gallery, Albuquerque, New Mexico

“Balanced”- A solo show of works utilizing balance as a theme, Buster’s Art Space, Albuquerque, New Mexico

2006
Harwood Art Space, Open Studio, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Mariposa Gallery, Collection of works on permanent display, Albuquerque, New Mexico

2007
Mariposa Gallery

“Deeply Superficial”- A body of work exploring texture and surface, Ferrin Gallery, Lenox, Massachusetts, July-August

2008

"Recycle 2008" - A body of work exploring the Art of Recycle, Outpost Performance Space, Albuquerque, New Mexico, February - March

Harwood Art Center - "12 x 12", Fundraiser for the Edu. Program, Albuquerque, New Mexico, December

2009

"West/Southwest" - 516 Arts, Albuquerque, New Mexico, April

"West/Southwest" - LA Artcore, Los Angles, California, April

"Natural World" - Solo art show, Outpost Performance Space, Albuquerque, New Mexico, June - July

UNM Fundraiser, Richard Levy Gallery, Albuquerque New Mexico, December

2010

"Lost (and Found) in Open Space," Group Show, Open Space Visitor Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, March - April

"New Growth," One Man Show, Mariposa Gallery, Albuquerque, New Mexico, May

Outpost Benefit Show, Outpost Performance Space, Albuquerque, New Mexico, November

Lakind Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, December

2011

"Placitas Artist Series," Group Show, Placitas PC, Placitas, NM, May

2007-07-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

2007-06-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

Joshua Willis, Bishop, 2005, Wood, Metal, Acrylic

Joshua Willis, Land of Many Uses, 2006, Wood, Metal, Actylic

2007-06-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Joshua Willis, Land of Many Uses, 2006, Wood, Metal, Acrylic

2007-06-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

This work is on display at the Mariposa Gallery in Albuquerque New Mexico.

2007-06-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

2007-06-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Willis work on display at the Mariposa Gallery in Nob Hill.

2007-06-06T13:54:00.000-07:00

2007-06-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

2007-06-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

2007-06-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

2007-06-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

2007-06-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

2007-06-03T12:02:00.001-07:00

2007-06-03T12:01:00.001-07:00

2007-06-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

2007-06-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

2007-06-03T11:57:00.001-07:00

2007-06-03T11:56:00.001-07:00

2007-06-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

2007-06-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

2007-06-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

Joshua Willis, New Homes, 2006, Wood, Plastic

2007-06-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

This work is a derivative of two plastic track home advertisements signs. I feel that the material quality of the signs makes a statement about the quality of the homes they advertise. D

2007-06-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

2007-05-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

I was able to buy a nice table saw when I sold this work. I really didn't get much of a chance to connect with the work before it disappeared, but I was able to make a lot more work because of it!

2007-05-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

Certain components to this work were acquired from my friend Jim. He drives this old school Rambler. He was in an accident some years ago and crunched the front fender. He found a replacement fender and stored his old one in the backyard. He thought of me when cleaning out his yard. I have used the fender in several pieces now.

2007-05-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

Joshua Willis, Range, 2006, Wood, Metal, Acrylic

This piece resides in Oregon at the moment. A good friend bought it in celebration of selling a house he and his wife worked on for a year. I was happy to see it go to them.

2007-05-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Where there's a Willis there is a way.

Joshua Willis, Silver City, 2007, Wood, Metal, Acrylic

2007-05-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

This Work was an experiment. It, for me, was a piece that took a while to feel comfortable about. While working I enjoy pushing my own personal creative limits. This is where the work grows into something more then it was. I finally feel comfortable with this piece. I think I learned a few things......

Joshua Willis, Shallow Water, 2007, Wood, Acrylic

2007-05-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

2007-05-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

2007-05-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

The scrap pieces to this artwork were found on a road that I often use while traveling to work. Los Picaros is a two lane road that leads to the middle of nowhere... The middle of nowhere is actually 1 mile south of my office. Along the road one can often find car scraps that have been used for recreation. In the case of the scraps in this artwork, bullet holes add some accents to the composition.

2007-05-18T07:23:00.001-07:00

Cool breeze,
tangled in a grass-blade.

2007-05-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

2007-05-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Little River

Why hurry little river? Off to the sea.All there is to do, tis'sink in blue, And all forgotten be.

Haiku poem by:

Barry Clopton Lanier

2007-05-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

Los Picaros Rd., 2007, Wood, Acrylic, Metal

2007-05-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

Artist Statement

2007-05-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

I place my work on a parallel w/ the natural world.

I enjoy standing in undeveloped spaces such as grassland or forests

to observe the balance occurring between the varieties of

flora and fauna unique to those spaces.

I strive for a similar balance when I work with found materials

such as washing machines, refrigerators, old signage or car parts.

I treat each material as a unique opportunity to seek balance

within the context of an art work.