Joe DiRaddo

Ceramic Sculpture

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sculpture

cross

heart

Untitled

My work in clay is an expression of beauty in nature. Primitive forms with an anthropological sense of design give voice to ancient and spirit voices and memories, while organic shapes with textures and earth tones reflect mystical and natural processes that are common to the earth’s formation.

Surrealism is infused into most of my sculptures as a concept that shifts reality into new dimensions. This gives many avenues and entrances into relating to nature and exploring the primal, and gives more grounding to daily living. In my more representational work, I choose powerful symbols such as crosses and hearts, which have such depth and personal meaning as to be transformative and evoke connections to sacred time and space. I want to challenge the viewer to find deep and meaningful personal connections that impart a sense of wonder.

I am a self-taught artist who received his inspiration for Art through Nature, first with clay, and then with wood. I finally ‘got’ the appreciation of Fine Art from my brother, who is currently practicing as an Art Therapist in Austin, Texas. My brother could draw and I could not – so I went with three dimensional art and sculpture. I also cannot deny my mother’s influence as a Basket maker, Photographer, and Naturalist. As a Psychologist, I engage with the art process to balance dealing with emotionally and mentally challenging issues in my work. Moving to New Mexico 25 years ago was primarily driven by my love for nature and the influence of the volcanic earth, colored clay hills, and endless landscapes and skies of the Southwest. Moving from the primitive influences of ancient cultures and tribal rituals to the symbolic representation of Organic Abstractionism, I have retained a very abstract and Surrealistic narrative in my choice of sculptures and forms. Surface treatments are intended to blend back into the earth and nature.