Congratulations to Joe Castle for earning his place as a Finalist in the Boynes Emerging Artist Award 7th Edition!

Who are you?

I was raised in Philadelphia, PA and studied history and English at the University of Colorado. After graduation I studied with Myron Barnstone at the Barnstone Studio. At the Barnstone Studio I studied classical drawing, painting and sculptor. In 1999 I was awarded a one man show at the studio and after its success it became clear that I needed to start my own career. Since then, I have been a professional artist.

What inspired you to utilize sculpture as a medium?

Sculpture allows me to tell stories in an immediate, personal and visceral way. I am also inspired by the method to make a bronze sculpture. The many stages provide me to always be learning which keeps me curious and inspired to learn more.

How would you describe your work?

In addition to coming from a personal space, I attempt to make my work accessible to all who view and experience it. This series evokes a primordial vision and an archetypal story: the journey of the hero. Because I have framed it so broadly, what is personal becomes universal and the viewer is moved past language and participates in a direct and emotional way to the larger questions my sculptures bring forth. I am more concerned with the broad rather than specific truths. I am concerned with the cultural reality of people. It is more important to get the right feeling than the right facts.

My work is about the broad truths and human experience

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind "Meet Me at the Mountaintop"?

A visit to Walter Reed Hospital. The figure, a bronze warrior, sits scarred and pensive,  poised with room enough for someone to sit beside. Unvanquished, the figure sits right  of center, canvassing the landscape around, contemplating the events of his past and  offering gratitude for those who join him in remembrance. Stripped of his armor he has  come to the mountaintop to atone for his past. Mentally and physically worn, the  warrior seeks salvation as he shares his story. It is from the perspective of a  mountaintop that the warrior, and us, find our higher ground, spiritual footing, and  communication with our God. The mountaintop is a place of answered prayers.  Miracles happen there. The climb requires effort; a journey that has been a “difficult  struggle”, wearing, and faith testing.

Can you walk us through the technical steps of creating "Meet Me at the Mountaintop"?

By going back to the human form, I could tell the warriors story in a way that could  reveal to those who did not serve a broader understanding of what these warriors have  gone through.  

I found that by exposing the armature and muscle strands and using texture and  disproportion I could evoke powerful emotions, such as those that we feel through  suffering or when dealing with matters of life and death. These methods also supported  me in telling stories that reach intensely into the human experience.

What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?

Sculpture allows me to tell stories in an immediate, personal and visceral way. 

Myth is my vehicle for spirituality. My own process is very similar to the myths I draw  from: I start with a sort of vague idea of where I want to take things, but as the work  and the series progress, the directions and destination become clearer. This is one of the  reasons why I like the process so much. The process of making sculpture is a spiritual  practice for me. The idea of myth is a narrative form. I believe we all have some type of  myth running through our veins. Myths are stories about people and myths help us see  ourselves within journeys, within narratives and going through things that so many  others have gone through before us. By giving us a way to guide ourselves, myths  strengthen us and help us find direction. Myths help us find spiritual footing and make  the point that, because of culture, we are never truly alone. 

Have you experimented with other mediums?

Yes, I am going back to painting and drawing a mixed media process. 

Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?

The more you fail, the more you succeed. It is only when everything is lost and - instead  of giving up - you go on, that you experience the momentary prospect of some slight  progress. Suddenly you have the feeling - be it an illusion or not - that something new  has opened up. - Alberto Giacometti  

When I moved from Idaho to California, I did not foresee myself going through a divorce and having a rod placed in my back and a new hip. Through these events I was forced to  go inside and forced to be intimate with myself. Uncomfortable as it was, I created  sculptures that hopefully allow others to do the same.

What projects are you working on currently?

I am doing a series of heads, entitled “Speechless Observers' '. I have also changed to  drawing, printmaking and painting. 

What is your dream project or piece you hope to accomplish?

Two projects. A 911 memorial and the sculpture “Fallen Warrior”. 

As a finalist, do you have any advice for artists who want to submit to awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?

Stay true to you. Don’t make your work appeal to external pressures.

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists/photographers, what is your advice?

Lean into that which makes you uncomfortable.

To view more of Joe Castle’s work

Website