UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 35, Page 6
July 8, 1993
Faculty artist creates an impression reaching for the skies

     Joe Moss is best known for sculptures that tantalize the senses
through sight, sound and touch. They range from small abstractions to
mathematically constructed, massive, outdoor metal installations that are
acoustical as well as visual. Rough and smooth surfaces, light and shadow
and the use of modern technology contribute to his creations.
     Moss now, who began his career as a painter-before moving to sculpture
and acoustical and multi-media installations- has come full circle. He's
painting again, and his recent works are impressionist skyscapes bonded
with sculptural forms.
     The paintings range from tempestuous, fiery red skies to frigid
white/gray vistas inspired by this winter's blizzard. The large, aerial
compositions are accompanied by sculptural additions that are made from
objects he has on hand, anchoring the paintings to Earth. The red sky is
moored to a long red rod hung underneath; another composition is
complemented by a circular rim with a cannon shell inside. Moss is working
on mounting two other swirling skyscapes vertically in a corner, connected
by a long shaft.
     This newest series began when Moss hurt his back temporarily and was
unable to work on larger sculptural pieces. He came across a large canvas
in his studio and was inspired to paint a series of the many moods and
range of colors of the skies. "Many of the colors of the skies result from
pollution," he pointed out.
     Moss has had an ongoing interest in space and skies in his works. For
example, a model sculpture in his studio represents a galaxy-a mounted,
rough metal disk perforated with irregular holes through which light shines
in a star-like effect.
     A fellow of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Center for
Advanced Visual Studies, he has participated in such exhibitions as the Sky
Art Conference in 1986 and Sky Light at the Boston Museum of Science in
1987.
     His new skyscapes are housed in his studio/exhibition area with other
works from different periods of his creativity. Some are other earlier
paintings; while others are acoustical sculptures, such as two pyramids
joined at the base. When a ball is placed inside the top, it ricochets
rhythmically from side to side until it emerges. A suspended circle is hung
in a corner and lit to make an interesting shadow pattern. Large,
acoustical sculptures are placed at two ends of the room where they bounce
back sound. Photographs of his large installations also are hung in the
studio.
     Moss has traveled many directions during his artistic journey,
creating new forms of art and frequently creating controversy. Now, the
skies are the limit.
                                                  -Sue Swyers Moncure