Joseph Pine
he/they
Hurley, NY, USA
Joseph Pine is an artist and metalsmith currently residing in the Hudson Valley, NY. His work explores form, surface, texture and patinas of time and irreverance through metalsmithing, sculpture, drawing and painting. He received his MFA in Metalsmithing + Jewelry from University of Wisconsin-Madison and his BFA in Metal from SUNY New Paltz.
“My work combines action with a sensitivity to entropy. I am interested in moments of creation and becoming, frozen in matter. Emphasizing texture, color and form, I imbue my work with undercurrents of personal history and narrative.
Scars and topographies are mapped using carbon and paper, and further explored and abstracted through clashes between tin and distressed copper.
Silvery tin acts as a graft, forming a second skin on copper. Gesture reflects the act of change, permanent alteration.”
How does your work relate to the theme connection?
“Evoking the mirror, this piece engages the interplay between self-perception and external influence. By virtue of tin’s reflective properties, the viewer is invited to attempt to view their own reflection through the haze of another's influence. This work is a visual and symbolic exploration of the contradictions that emerge from the discrepancies between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us (or allow us to be perceived).
As relational beings, human identities are often shaped and sometimes overshadowed by the frames of reference that others impose upon us. This piece is a manifestation of the thread of otherness connecting our stories, echoing the struggle between maintaining an authentic sense of self and reconciling with the projections and perceptions of others."
What role does connection play in your creative process?
“In my work, connection is central to exploring creation, transformation, and identity. Through materials and processes that delve into moments of becoming, changing, and undoing, I infuse my pieces with rich textures and forms. The reflective tin acts as a metaphorical skin, accentuating the tension between self-perception and external influence. By inviting viewers to see their reflections amidst the haze of another's presence, my work examines the delicate balance between maintaining an authentic self and navigating the projections imposed by others, fostering a dialogue about the complexities of identity and perception."
"Blemished Offering", copper, tin, 12" x 9" x 1/2", 2024
What connection(s) does your queerness make to the world around you?
“My queerness shapes my worldview by highlighting the themes of transformation, change, and uniqueness. I have learned to foster a deep appreciation for the fluid nature of identity and the beauty found in embracing difference. This perspective influences how I approach my work, where I explore the dynamic processes of becoming and the celebration of individuality. By drawing on my experiences, I aim to reflect the vibrant and evolving nature of human existence, encouraging others to recognize and celebrate their own transformative journeys and the richness of diverse identities. Through this lens, my work contributes to a broader understanding of how personal evolution and uniqueness enhance our collective experience."