Joseph M. Sanchez

My interest in painting began very early in this life and was encouraged by my fouth grade teacher, who introduced me to painting on glass, since that time I have always considered myself an artist. Though mainly self taught, the opportunity to work with many artists and art professionals as a collaborator, assistant, curator and exhibition designer provided many experiences and skills that have helped me as a artist and an art professional.

Meeting Daphne Odjig in 1971 is the reason I am an artist today, as a mentor and peer she encouraged my talent and coached my ability as an artist and art professional, resulting in the amazing career I have as an artist, activist and art professional. The valuable critique of artists, art professionals and my two mentors, Daphne Odjig and Philip C. Curtis, founder for both the work as an art professional and artist for the past four decades.

I was raised on the Whitemountain Apache Reservation in Northeastern Arizona until I graduated from high school in 1966. It is the landsape of Arizona and New Mexico whose spirituality and natural beauty that I fill my canvas. I paint in surreal lines of power, colours of passion, and the emotion and energy of spirit and prayer. A profound respect for the feminine in our world is the subject matter reflecting on Mother Earth and the disrespect we show her in our arrogance as humans.

I feel that the creation of art is an experience in all of us and like children we should have no fear in participating in this act of spirit. With this in mind, sharing art and whatever knowledge and experience I have had is the most important part of my life as an artist. I believe art is for everyone, it can heal and make us aware but we must open our minds to art's possibilities, we must speak from the heart and use art to reflect our joy of living in this millinnium. 

Picture:
Joseph Sanchez and Alex Janvier
October 2009
Taken in Ottawa