Welcome To Cascadia

Joel Barber is a technician, rendering subtle illustrative narratives with many layers of pattern and visual texture that are worked out in elaborate processes and experiments. In this series, Joel draws inspiration from classic Japanese printmaking, disaster dreams, science fiction, Pacific Northwest wildlife and the volcanos of our Cascade Range. Joel is an Oregon native and Portland local.

"I'm intrigued by the balance between surface treatment and the content of the piece. I want evolved images that are both expressive and narrative."

“At it’s simplest, I wanted to draw our volcanos exploding around us; however, it turned into a collection of serene and quiet scenes in the midst of destruction and cataclysmic events. I think subconscious metaphors work their way into everything.”

Interested in booking or purchasing?

Contact Me.

This series is acrylic paint on wood panel. It's worth noting that all visible woodgrain is paint, all images are rendered with no collage or actual visible wood. Some iridescent and metallic effects are not translated in photos. Please visit the pieces in person if you have the opportunity!

Would you like to see a diagram of the stencils used in the elk painting above? Click Here.

This series is painted on mahogany wood panels, although all of the woodgrain pattern that you see is hand painted and often metallic or iridescent. I write about process on my blog.

This series is influenced by Japanese woodblock prints. Read more about it on my blog.

For pricing or exhibition booking please email Joel Barber. Thank you for visiting!