'While pursuing my BA in the mid 1970’s silkscreen printing was my medium of choice. I participated in a few exhibits in the Bay Area, while applying my graphic arts background in a small business until moving to Granite Bay in the early 90’s, where I emersed myself into the local art scene. By the mid 1990’s the toxic characteristics of the pigments and solvents I employed became a concern for the environment and my health. Wanting to preserve the ability to make multiple, yet uniquely altered copies of an image or ‘monoprint’, I spent five years perfecting a safe alternative. By employing water-based pigment onto a petroleum-based substrate led me to discover a new process which provided me with the surprise moments and chance outcomes that I was hoping for. The result became my signature medium as it is unique and difficult to replicate. My work has been placed in several corporate and residential collections nationally and internationally. I also participate in various fund- raising activities supporting the arts of Sacramento and Placer County. I am presently exploring minimalistic approaches to representational expression through simplifying imagery with observation with a squinted eye, removing peripheral objects and focusing solely on the essential shapes of hue and value. By employing a hard edge or line to key shapes permits me to explore perspective in my work. I draw inspiration from adventure and the surprise of discovery. While there are seemingly countless media available for two-dimensional art, my inquisitive nature motivates me to “alloy” multiple mediums into something new. Endless experimentation, failures and, rewarding revelations have guided me along a path of artistic discovery and motivated me to create unique and thoughtful art.For me, art is the process of doing and experiencing the lyrical sense that seems to emerge from behind a line, shape, or color guiding me through the progression of telling a story. By chance, an observer is moved by my work, I feel the spirit of the art is speaking directly to them.'- Joe Strickland