Joseph Gallup
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BIO
Joseph Gallup was born in Mankato MN. He studied painting and drawing at Mankato State University, Bethany Lutheran College and The University of Minnesota.
For 30 years Joseph has worked in film and Television as a lighting technician. Joseph's painting have been commissioned in New York City, Stillwater Courthouse, and the mayor's office in Minneapolis.
The "horseman" was accepted and displayed in the fine arts building at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. Awarded by the Minnesota Citizens for the arts in addition to the Patty Carmody Smith award for fine painting.
His work has been on display at Art a Whirl, Barbette and Twin Ignition in NE Minneapolis. One of his greatest accomplishments was getting Lou Reed's autograph and livingto tell.
Artist Statement
I make abstract art—drawings, paintings and handmade prints. Landscape and the local environment are subjects that initiate my desire to make art. My process is similar to the classic steps of abstraction: observing visual subjects, then reducing, exaggerating and editing until most hints of representation are gone. The process allows me to pursue engaging visual experiences and aesthetic beauty. I want to make art that celebrates formal qualities: visual relationships, balance and harmony. Abstraction is not my objective, but rather a method that expands possibilities. The process allows me to look beyond structures that guide the natural world. Abstraction facilitates my joy in visual experience and experimentation. Abstraction encourages me to seek out and define an aesthetic. It has become a visual language for me. Recently I have used memories of places I have studied as well as previous works as the foundation of my abstractions. I don’t expect the viewer to recognize the locations or even the subject of abstract work. I work to create art that engages my attention and contemplation. It is my hope that viewers will find their own dialogue with these works.
Little About Joseph
What inspires your work?
The visually meditative experiences I find in nature and the landscape are an endless inspiration for my artistic engagement.
What is something unexpected about you that often surprises people?
Though abstract art is my primary focus, many people are surprised to find that I continue to make realist observational studies.
What do you consider your most significant achievement as an artist?
Having a viewer develop meaningful engagement and a continuing relationship with a particular artwork of mine is an honor. It shows a trust and willingness on the viewers part. It is an achievement that thills me every time it is acknowledged, and never is taken for granted.
How has your work evolved over time?
The road toward abstraction is an every changing and evolving path. The very nature of an abstract process prompts me to seek out personal growth.
Is there a particular medium or subject you're drawn to, and why?
Taking time to observe what is around me, really looking at visual qualities will lead me to want to respond as an artist. That I will find joy in the materials and the making process is a given. It is that initial process of reflection that lights the way.
What's the most challenging part of being an artist?
Staying up on the public/business aspect of being an artist is an ongoing effort.
Do you have a favorite piece you've created? Why does it stand out?
The artwork that holds my hopes and dreams is the one I am currently working on. My favorite artwork is the next one!
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I am Minnesota born and raised. Most of my education has been in Minnesota and it is where I taught art for over 25 years.
Who are your artistic influences or mentors?
All of my teacher are deserving of praise for the patience and guidance they provided in my development. One in particular inspirational figure was local artist Birney Quick.
Seeing him paint and speak about art in my teens made an indelible impression on a young person with little exposure to art or artists.
What advice would you give to emerging artists?
Learn to make creative activity/thinking integral in your life. The rest is specific details that make each persons’ journey unique. There is no singular way, each have their own path to follow.
