Joy Ray

I’ve always been drawn to mysteries: secret societies, lost languages, parallel worlds, the occult. That sense of reaching towards the unknowable, searching for clues, trying to understand an unseen whole through an examination of unexplained parts, is something I explore through my work. My process is intentionally spontaneous, inspired by automatic writing. I’m drawn to stark, minimalist colors and tactile, rough materials—twine, wool, cement, plaster. I imagine my work as artifacts discovered by a future archeologist, clues to an unknown civilization. Marks and gestures evoke fears and hopes, plans and prayers; textures and layers suggest the corrosive effect of time and conflict.

Joy Ray received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College and studied art history in Italy.

2019

Beyond/Within, Two Person Exhibition at Launch LA, Los Angeles, CA (upcoming)

Woven Stories, MOAH, Lancaster CA (upcoming)

2018

Hawaii Craftsmen 51st Annual Statewide Exhibition, Honolulu HI

Don't Shoot Me Down, Shockboxx, Hermosa Beach CA

Art of Labor, San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, San Jose CA

Abstract Only!, Wailoa Arts & Cultural Center, Hilo HI

1st Annual Women's Exhibition, Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art, Hilo HI

In Black and White, Springfield Art Association, Springfield IL

Intersections -- Considering Imbalance, Kahilu Theater Galleries, Waimea HI

stARTup Art Fair, San Francisco CA

Not Just Drawing -- A Line With Intent, ARC Gallery, Chicago IL

2017

Hawaii Contemporary Arts Exhibit, Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art, Hilo HI

2nd Annual Contemporary Craft Juried Exhibition, Wailoa Arts & Cultural Center, Hilo HI