Joe Schafer
joeschaferstudio.com
ArtRoom Collective Studio #13
We recently sat down with Joe Schafer to learn more about his journey, his art, and what inspires him. If you stop by Studio #13, you’ll almost always find Joe at work—dog Luna by his side and peppy music playing in the background.
What kind of art do you create?
Landscape paintings of the Colorado Plateau. Impressionistic bordering on the abstract - I’m trying to capture a mood, time of day or season. I paint on sheet metal which allows for a lot of experimentation through the use of sands, clays, pigments and both water and oil based materials.
Can you share your journey as an artist? What inspired you to pursue this path?
My creative path was what I call “a gift of desperation”. I had been a custom finish house painter for most of my life and was feeling an intense need to develop my creativity. I began painting on sheet metal because I had some laying around the house. What I’ve found is that it allows a lot more flexibility than canvas or Masonite and supports the heavy textures and copious amounts of water I like to use.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Denver, then moved to Durango in 1983 to go to FLC and start my second childhood, which I’m still actively pursuing.
What inspires you?
Nature and the outdoors - This inspires my paintings and feeds my soul.
My paintings represent a longing for connection with the natural world and my attempt to understand our place in it. I live in a truly magical part of the world. The Colorado Plateau is vast and expansive with sharp horizons and distinct ridges that show the unfolding of time.
How long have you been producing art?
I’ve been painting professionally for 5 years and have sold over 350 pieces.
What do you enjoy doing outside of creating art?
I love to be outside, often just hanging out and watching the world pass before me,
but also I enjoy climbing, skiing or riding.
When is your favorite time of day to create and why?
I work all the time but my most creative time is first thing in the morning.
Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
The most adventurous thing I’ve done is to embark on an art career at 53 with two kids in college, which has been a complete leap of faith but has been awesome.
What are you selling in your studio right now?
Currently, I have several landscape paintings available in my studio the ArtRoom Collective, as well as locally at Maria's Bookshop, Artesanos Design, and Oye.