Artist Spotlight: May, 2024

Joe Caruso

“DIG”
May 12 through August 11, 2024

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An Interview with Joe Caruso

Joe Caruso is an interdisciplinary artist who lives and works in Boston, MA. His art draws inspiration from ancient cultures and from contemporary life. His work explores issues of discovery, spirituality, time and transformation as well as equality and self-determination. Although he works primarily in the areas of painting, found-object sculpture and ceramics, he often integrates other art forms such as poetry, music, dance and media into his work. Joe’s work is featured in the exhibit, “DIG,” on display at the Art Complex Museum May 12 – August 11, 2024

Tell us about your background.

I am a former educator, having taught at several small colleges and universities. I have a Doctor of Education and Master of Arts degree from Columbia University, as well as an undergraduate education degree from Boston University. I have published in my field and have taught graduate courses in many countries throughout the world.

I am also a gardener and an Argentine tango dancer. I started dancing tango about twelve years ago and have made many trips to Buenos Aries, the mecca of Argentine tango.

My art background is somewhat mixed. I am primarily a self-taught artist, although I have studied with many artists throughout the years, and also have training in academic painting and drawing, having spent several months in Florence, Italy, studying drawing and sculpture.

I am a member of the Fort Point Artist Community, the Cambridge Art Association, and the New England Sculptors Association. I am a founding member of the Artist Group of Charlestown gallery and studios, and was appointed by the Mayor of Boston to serve as Charlestown co-chair for “Boston Creates,” a long-range planning process to develop a blueprint for Arts and Culture in the City of Boston.

When did you know you were an artist?

I was always interested in making art and can remember entering art contests when I was in elementary school. I originally wanted to be a commercial artist but ended up moving in another direction.

Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from my environment, from contemporary issues, and from other artists. One of the great aspects of social media is that I can see what is happening in the field of art all over the world.

I attend many art exhibitions and art fairs such as the Venice Biennale, Miami Art Basel, New York’s Armory Show, and most recently, Zona Maco in Mexico City. Cy Twombly and Picasso inspired me to make sculpture. I am currently a fan of Nicole Eisenman’s work and am also influenced by the Mexican painter and sculptor, Alejandro Santiago

What is your favorite medium?

I don’t have a favorite medium. I work in painting and found object sculpture, as well as with clay.  Recently, I returned to printmaking, working with master printmakers in Mexico City and in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I usually focus in one area for an extended period of time and then move to another.

Can you describe your process?

My process varies depending on the medium, although I tend to use a variety of material with each medium. With found object sculpture, it’s very important to have an abundance of material in the studio as the pieces themselves sometimes dictate the direction of the overall sculpture. I may have a vague idea of where I want to go with the piece, but it develops as I move along.

With clay, I find that I am physically attached to the piece and work intensively on it for a couple of hours at a time. Sometimes, I really don’t get a good look at the piece until the next morning, when I can see it with a fresh eye and begin to reshape it.

With painting, I find that if I have a predetermined outcome, the painting is usually a failure. Lastly, with my recent monotype prints, I have been experimenting with color and texture. As with sculpture, I use a lot of materials such as fabrics, aluminum foil, leaves, string, sticks, etc. Sometimes I have a sense of where I want to go with the print, but monotypes are full of surprises.