 Portal Vista #4 |
 New Worlds #50-#53 |
 Portal Vista #11 |
Views of the ocean and deserts, aerial views of man-made earth patterns, ancient walls, and the intimate patterns of nature found in his garden all combine to inspire Joseph Bellacera. In his luminous abstract and landscape paintings radiant forms emerge and dissolve to evoke feelings of transcendence.
Bellacera comments, "I use the alchemy of color and light 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, the mystery and awe of discovery and creation is continuously renewed." The most profound artistic influences on Bellacera's work have been that of JMW Turner's emotional and atmospheric seascapes from the early 19th century; Kandinsky's early 20th century spiritual abstract improvisations; and the more recent work of James Turrell, a Southwest installation artist who works with light.
Born and raised in Northern California, Joseph has lived in such diverse places as Montana, Oklahoma, New York, and Boston. He studied art at several institutions including: Massachusetts College of Art; Humboldt State University where he received an MA degree; and University of California Santa Barbara where he received an MFA.
A very prolific artist, Bellacera exhibits throughout the United States and his work can be seen in many private and corporate collections and public institutions.