Blending Realistic Settings with the Unexpected
Joe Stavec, saatchiart.com/joestavec, creates mesmerizing works of art that combine elements of reality and fantasy. With his unbridled imagination and a superior artistic proficiency he has developed an inimitable narrative style of surrealism. Joe captivates us and provides an unlimited and endless wellspring of fascination.
He explains, “To me, art is not an end in itself. It is a method of creating awareness of the marvelous. It is an ability to bathe everyday reality in a magic light. I am a surrealist painter that explores the realm of dream. My artwork welcomes the viewer to enter a slightly different world… a chance to invent their own narrative about the people, places and creatures they see. I hope my paintings encourage others to take quiet time to enjoy hidden surprises as one’s mind is motivated to wander freely.”
Banner image: Detail of “A Day to Remember, oil on wood panel, 12″ x 12”
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When I Was A Boy, watercolor and sumi ink on wood panel, 12″ x 12″
With unerring proficiency Joe applies underpaintings and color glazes using oils and sumi inks to create stunning effects. He is currently focusing on creating smaller scale artworks “to explore more images from my mind.”
Joe is influenced by such artists as Magritte, Redon, Dali and Charles Burchfield; however, his artistic vision is new and unique. He informs us, “World mythology is also a rich source of my inspiration with its tales of fantastic creatures and heroic deeds.”
He adds, “I blend realistic settings with the unusual and unexpected like the flash memory of a dream or a place once visited but forgotten. “
Watcher of the Skies, oil on wood panel, 12″ x 12″
In 2023, Joe exhibited in the 47th Annual Art Exhibition, Fairmount Center for the Arts, Novelty, Ohio where he was awarded Best of Show.
Joe’s many online awards include recognition of his work in the realm of surrealism which enthralls viewers and often receives a visceral and long-lasting impression.
He was awarded First Place from the 2023 World Art Awards and Fourth Place from the 2023 American Art Awards in this painting category.
Every Now and Then, oil on wood panel, 12″ x 12″
Recent exhibitions at The Gallery at Lakeland, Kirtland, Ohio include the 13th May Show Juried Art Exhibition and The Big @ss @rt Show, featuring twenty-five of his oil paintings.
Joe’s sumi ink works were also included in the Black and White Art Exhibitions at Fusion Art Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico and at 3 Square Art Gallery, Fort Collins, CO.
A Familiar Sight, watercolor and sumi ink on wood panel, 12″ x 12″
One of Joe’s paintings was selected for “The Healing Power of Color” 2024 Invitational Exhibition presented by “The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS, which is an initiative of Manhattan Arts International.
His art was selected for his inimitable use of color and its powerful symbolic references as he transports viewers to otherworldly realms.
Frank’s Garden, oil on wood panel, 12″ x 12″
Joe earned a B.F.A. in Painting and Lithography from Cleveland Institute of Art. He lives and works in Ohio with his wife, Stephanie and “lots of critters”, including his companion Sherlock, an African Grey parrot, shown with Joe in the photo below.
View more of Joe Stavec’s artwork: Saatchiart.com/joestavec
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