Two Series
My artistic journey is woven with two distinct yet interconnected threads: the "Fire Series" and the "Water Series." The "Fire Series" emerged as a response to a profound personal loss—losing our home, my studio, and years of artwork in one of California’s largest fires. This devastating event turned our lives upside down, taking several years before anything in our returned to normalcy.
However, there was one constant sanctuary: the ocean. Before the fire, I spent a lot of free time surfing, finding joy and solace in the ocean's embrace. It was a place where anxiety and fear dissipated amidst the waves, the playful presence of dolphins, and the exuberance of catching a barrel.
After the fire, the ocean's significance grew even more profound, offering a greater refuge and a source of spiritual renewal. While replacing the tangible losses was impossible, my artistic soul found solace in the immediacy and intimacy of drawing. This return to a familiar medium became a cathartic exploration of fire and water, destruction and renewal.
The Fire Series
The Water Series
Joe Kabriel
“the Reflections of Life in a Landscape.”
Reflections of Life in a Landscape: A Journey Begins
As the sun rises each day, a new journey unfolds. Every journey has a beginning—a point, a mark, an instance - a symbolic reference to time and space.
Similarly, the first stroke of a pencil on the blank empty page marks the start of a journey. This initial point of singularity expanding into line, then shape, and ultimately form. Through this process, the first mark becomes lost, part of something larger, a convergence of greater forces.
By sundown, one might find themselves in a predicament of the first mark - lost in life’s frenzied expansion. A drift. After wandering aimlessly, finding the "Here You Are" marker on a trailhead offers great comfort against the large unknown. It provides reassurance to who and where we are.
There is a unique solitude found in being adrift in the embrace of an old-growth forest, in the miles of sweeping prairie grass, or a being a small spot in the undulating ocean. The act of becoming insignificant in the presence of something greater.
Alternatively, one can draw understanding from a vastly smaller inner point. Finding the love and joy that binds all making our journey through our landscape more respectful, unique, and precious.
Sometimes, when looking at a landscape, both experiences occur simultaneously, offering a circular connection between the two spaces.
Artist Bio:
Joe Kabriel resides in a picturesque water community in Southern California. The diverse landscapes - characterized by striking rock formations, vibrant chaparral, winding canyon roads, and the stunning Pacific Coast shoreline - serve as profound inspirations for his drawings and paintings. His artistic journey is enriched by travels to Mexico, Costa Rica, and El Salvador, which further influence his creative expression.
Since 1990, Joe has been dedicated to teaching art, cultivating a loyal following among students who appreciate his expertise in technique and design fundamentals. He emphasizes the importance of individual style and personal expression in his instruction. Currently, he teaches at El Camino College and the University of Maryland, where he is known for his engaging teaching methods that encourage exploration and growth in his students.
Joe holds both an M.F.A. and a B.A. in Art from Catholic University. His educational background is further complemented by studies at prestigious institutions such as the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C., the Maryland College of Art and Design, the Maryland Institute College of Art, and American University in Rome. Through his extensive experience and education, Joe Kabriel continues to inspire and shape the artistic journeys of many aspiring artists.
Artist Statement:
My work captures the cyclical nature of life, embodying the resilience of the human spirit and celebrating the enduring beauty and power of the natural world. Through themes of loss and renewal, I explore change both literally and allegorically. Each piece is rich with meaning, inviting thoughtful reflection in an ever-evolving environment that shapes and defines my artistic journey.
Recent Exhibitions
North Coastal Art Gallery, Carlsbad, CA (2024)
Camp David, Thurmont, MD (2023)
San Diego Online Exhibition, San Diego, CA (2023)
Naturalist Gallery, Los Angeles, CA (2023)
Multiple works sold to the U.S. Government, Washington, D.C. (2023)
Blue Line Arts, Sacramento, CA (2022)
Brand Art Center and Library, National Juried Competition, Glendale, CA (2021)
ShockBox, Juried Exhibition, Redondo Beach, CA (2020)
Palos Verdes Art Center, Juried Competition, Palos Verdes, CA (2019)
Malibu Chamber of Commerce, Juried Exhibition (2019)
Pence Gallery, Invitational, Davis, CA (2018)
Pence Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Davis, CA (2018)
Las Laguna Gallery, Juried Competition, Laguna Beach, CA (2017)
City of Brea Art Gallery, Juried Competition, Brea, CA (2017)
California State Fair, Juried Competition, Sacramento, CA (2016)
Water Works Art Museum, Juried Competition, Miles City, MO (2016)
Topanga Canyon Gallery, Juried Competition, Topanga, CA (2016)
Sol Studios, Invitational, Washington DC (2015)
California Open Exhibition Tag Gallery, Juried Competition, Santa Monica, CA (2015)