“My wish is that my artwork will help others open their hearts. I make each piece with the intention that it will find a home where it will inspire and uplift; create peace, balance, harmony, and happiness. Through my art, I hope to contribute to the expansion of love and awareness on our planet.”

Biography:
It was on a journey on The Camino de Santiago de Compostela, where I understood clearly that I am an artist. Seeking clarity in my life, I had quit my job, sold everything I owned, and traveled to France and Spain to volunteer on organic farms. While there I hiked 350 miles across Northern Spain along this ancient pilgrimage route. I had time to think about my life without distractions and I realized how much I loved art. I had been drawing since I was a child and always loved looking at art, learning about art, and using my imagination. It gives me a feeling of freedom when I am involved in creativity.

Upon returning from Spain, I moved to Portland, Oregon where I started experimenting with watercolor and acrylic paint. In 2003 I began showing my artwork in cafes and restaurants. Within the year, I had paintings on display in several galleries in Oregon and Northern California.

After several years of success in the art world, I had the opportunity to take another transformative journey. Once again, I sold everything I owned, and traveled to Peru where I lived in a native Shipibo community near Pucallpa on the edge of the Amazon. After this 1-year break from painting, it was time to head back to America, where I currently live In Topanga, CA.

My landscapes reflect my experience while traveling in Europe and South America. They express the stillness, presence, and peacefulness that I feel within. In 2008, when I became a father, I added small child-like houses, making my paintings light-hearted, playful, and whimsical. They help me reconnect with my own inner-child. My most recent body of work is a shift to painting from a deeper level of subconscious, unspoken inspiration and I enjoy sharing this with others.

I have just published a memoir, which is a personal narrative of my search for Truth. I see a new world emerging from its dream of fear and separation, and I am excited to share my discoveries with others. I also recently created a WAKE UP! "art car" with my 1991 Ford van. Check it out!

..Links: New Book: Journal: Into the Heart of the Amazon in search of Truth

Solo and Group Exhibitions

2011-Present -Topanga Canyon Gallery, Topanga, CA
Artist owned and operated, 310-455-7909

2010-Present -Positive Images, Austin, TX
Gallery Owners: Dennis and Deborah Labonte, 512-472-1831

2009 -Fritto Misto, Santa Monica, CA
Manager: Maxwell, 310-458-2829

2008 -Present State Street Gallery, Madison, WI
Gallery Curators: Piper and Christina, 608-819-0304

2005 -Present DragonFire Fine Art Gallery, Cannon Beach, OR
Gallery Owners: Eeva and Mari, 503-436-1533

2004 -Present Options Gallery, Healdsburg, CA
Gallery Owner: Sue Sacks, 707-431-8861

2005 -2007 Barclay Gallery, Sisters, OR
Gallery Owner: Sandra Mayernik, 541-549-1050

2004 -2005 Zeek Gallery, Salem, OR
Gallery Owner: Mary Lou Zeek, 503-581-3229

2004 -Ballantyne and Douglass Fine Art Gallery, Cannon Beach, OR
Gallery Owner: Geoff Hastings

2003 -Graystone Gallery, Portland, OR
Gallery Owner: Bill Murray, 503-775-2016

Commissions
Selected Private Commissions

-J Minnick, Los Angeles Ca, 6 x 6", landscape
-Thomas S., Los Angeles Ca, 30 x 40", 5 canvases, landscape
-Marcin Koz., Gdynia Poland, 2 canvases 40 x 50", 24 x 24", modern art/abstract
-Leslie Ransom, Seattle Wa, 30 x 40", "Bringers Of Light"
-Richard Dietzel, 4 canvases, 12 x 48", landscape
-Preston Pickrell, Murfreesboro Tn, 4 canvases, landscape
-M. Middlesworth, Bellevue Wa, 24 x 36" landscape
-Katherine Lindahn, Sunnyvale Ca, dog portrait
-Cezary Zelaznicki, Warszawa, Poland, 2 canvases, 30 x 40" landscape
-Rick Lindemann, Portland Or, 7 canvases, 12 x 48", 24 x 36", landscape
-Richard Dumani, Bucharest Romania, 48 x 48", 4 canvases, landscape
-Jennifer Pletcher, Palm Beach Fl, 24 x 24"
-Caren Batzer, West Hempstead Ny. 24 x 36", landscape
-Marissa Gandelman, Washington DC, 2 canvases 24 x 24" landscape
-Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles Ca, 144 x 48", 4 canvases, abstract
-Samantha Osburn, Portland Or, 11 x 9ft large mural, after a Monet painting
-Ronni Allsopp, Wilmington De, 24 x 48", landscape
-Gary Brentano, Portland Or, 54 x 54", zebra painting
-Cecily Becker, Portland Or.
-Ronni Theresa Caromano,
-Mel Scott, Edmond Ok.

copyright 2010 JRHarris www.joelharrisstudio.com