Joseph Bellacera

Nature, remnants of man-made structures and luminosity inspire my artwork. I am particularly concerned with how qualities of space, light and pattern stimulate experiences of infinity and transcendence. With multiple techniques and materials, I often employ elements of the landscape and its underlying micro and macro configurations in both structured and random arrangements. The work is developed with multiple layers of oils, acrylics and sometimes epoxy resin. On some pieces, fluid and atmospheric effects are contrasted with hard, opaque substances such as concrete, wood putty and metal. An important consideration is the way color and light are manipulated to create the experience of seeing something, as if for the first time. Before we define, name and categorize it. In this way, through painting or sculpture, the mystery and awe of discovery and creation is continuously renewed.

At present I divide my time between Northern California and Santa Fe, New Mexico. I have mostly exhibited throughout the United States. My work is in many private and corporate collections as well as public institutions including hospitals, libraries and colleges.

1987 MFA, UC Santa Barbara, CA

1982 MA, Art Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

1975 BA, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

1971-1973 Massachusetts College of Art, Boston

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2024 The Matter of Light, Pence Gallery, Davis, CA
2021 NewWork, MACC Gallery, Sacramento, CA
2017 Heaven & Earth, Artery Gallery, Davis, CA
2016 The Colors of Creation, Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2015 The Poetry of Dots, Gallery 625, Woodland, CA

2015 Space, Light & Pattern, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA

2014 Disconnecting the Dots, Morris Graves Museum of Art, Eureka, CA

2014 Cosmic Compulsions, SMAart Gallery, San Francisco, CA

2014 Small Infinities, Fine Eye Gallery, Sutter Creek, CA

2011 New Worlds II, The Sacramento Temporary Contemporary, Sacramento, CA

2011 Abstract Meets Solid Form, The James Ratliff Gallery, Sedona, AZ

2011 Aerial Patterns, The Arts Building Gallery, Auburn, CA

2010 Capitol Public Radio Gallery, Sacramento, CA
2009 Brush with Nature, Solomon Dubnick Gallery, Sacramento, CA

2009 New Works, Intel, Folsom, CA

2008 Fields of Light, Solomon Dubnick Gallery, Sacramento, CA

2007 New Work, Crossroads Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM

2006 The Luminous Horizon & Beyond, Solomon Dubnick Gallery, Sacramento, CA

2006 New Work, Crossroads Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM

2004 New Worlds, The Art Foundry Gallery, Sacramento, CA

2004 Light on the Land, SMUD Gallery, Sacramento, CA

...