Born and raised in rural Northern Nevada, Montana-based ceramic artist Joe Taylor explores the emotional state of wonder through his abstract sculptures, which investigate the intricate relationships between people, landscapes, creatures, and the natural world. Rooted in curiosity and play, his work reflects a fascination with the microscopic and macroscopic, the human and the geological. A former K-12 art educator for 15 years, Taylor embraces inquiry as a transformative learning tool. He has recently completed a MFA in Ceramic Sculpture at the University of Montana.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
I create abstract ceramic sculptures that blend elements of the human body with features of the natural world. My practice is deeply rooted in curiosity about the world and the belief that wonder and play are powerful avenues for learning. My process begins with spontaneous mark-making in my sketchbook through which I explore the movement of my wrist and arm. The movement and reach of my joints are recorded as arching lines and sweeping bends. These drawings often evoke rock outcroppings, reminiscent of landscapes found in the mountains of the American West, which are places that captivate me and spark my wonder. I then bring these forms into my studio space through maquettes and larger sculptures.
Much of my process is shaped by my explorations of the Nevada wilderness and my experience teaching K-12 art, both of which have deepened my appreciation for the world around us. Material exploration is central to my practice, mirroring the tactile experience of route-finding in the wilderness. The destination of my work is revealed only through the process of making, as each decision and risk taken is a response to the material’s parameters, much like navigating the elements of a landscape. Every choice becomes a record of discovery, a tactile way of knowing both place and self. The questions that emerge in my practice rarely lead to definitive answers, but instead act as a mirror, reflecting my interests, interpretations, aspirations, and challenges.
My work exists primarily as Biomorphic Abstraction which draws on nature to create forms that allude to being alive. Elements of my works can also be considered “Blobjects” as identified by Kareem Rashid, and thus possess qualities that simultaneously reference ancient and futuristic construction. By blending forms found in nature with forms that reference the human body I am exploring the ways they relate to each other and to their environment. My non-objective artworks challenge the efficiency and logic of our modern age by rejecting traditional utility and identification. By placing these mysterious, organic forms in built environments—such as our homes—creates an acknowledgment of our intrinsic connection to nature. Through this, I aim to foster a deeper sense of belonging to the natural world, making our inhabited spaces more livable and meaningful.
