Jasper Galleries features monthly artists at Koger Center's The Nook, and our featured Third Thursday artist for the month of March is Josef Berlinger!
Artist Statement
The signature affixed to all of my work is "Jobey." Jobey is the more outgoing and confident alter ego of Josef Berliner. Behind the mask is a thoughtful, somewhat shy, and introspective artist. Armed with the knowledge that I am not alone in this attribute, I seek through all of my art, but most especially my portraiture, to go behind the surface facade of my subject matter and search for the deeper and often hidden and complex personae beneath.
As I delve deeper and deeper into my paintings, I feel an almost organic connection between myself and the canvas, as if our combined energies feed off of one another and a mutual bonding process emerges. There is never a precise moment when this melding occurs, but I know that it will, and while I may anticipate it eagerly, I also understand better than to try to force or rush it, as it must happen naturally and at its own pace.
Bio
To quote the artist himself, " I feel that it's my mission (and duty) to try to make the world a more beautiful place, even if it's only one canvas at a time."
The artistic journey of Josef Berliner began in early childhood, when his parents noticed that his favorite birthday and holiday gifts were sketchpads, young readers instructional books, and drawing pencils. His relatives (particularly his aunt, who was an artist herself) nurtured his interest, encouraging his creative spirit and inquiring mind. Cited for his renderings throughout his formative school years, his artwork was selected to be part of the national touring exhibition of the Scholastic Art Awards, where, at sixteen, he first exhibited at a stop on the tour at the Columbia Museum of Art.
He attended the University of South Carolina, with a double major in Theatre and Studio Art, surrounding himself with creative and brilliant instructors and classmates, many of whom have remained lifelong friends. Although he was determined to make his mark in the art world, fate had other plans for Josef, and his ear and skill with mixing dance music beckoned, so for many years he became best known as a premier nightclub deejay, performing at many of the largest and best-known clubs in the Southeast, winning a multitude of awards and commendations along the way. During this period, he met his biggest supporter and the most honest critic of his work, his husband Josh. it should be pointed out, however, that while the years behind turntables were both personally and professionally fulfilling, art still remained a driving passion.
He began accepting commission work on a limited basis. Clients appreciated what he was capable of achieving. Josh gave his full and complete support, backing his desire to assume the mantle of professional artist. He then became a fixture in both solo and group gallery shows.
He has been recognized as a contributor to many charitable causes, always willing to give of himself as much as possible. He has been cited for his participation in organizations such as Bullets and Band-Aids, the University of South Carolina Department of Dance Gala (in which he also serves as a board member), the Atlantic Institute, and most recently was honored to be a featured artist for the Artists for Africa winter event, an organization he has fervently supported for a number of years. His artwork has been seen in local theatre, where he has provided lobby art, touring exhibitions, as well as private collections not just on a national level, but internationally as well.
Josef works predominantly in oil on canvas, with a keen eye for detail and the innate ability to look far deeper than the mere surface, all the while seeking for a level of perfection that, while perhaps unattainable, is indeed his ultimate and far-reaching goal.
NEVER STOP REACHING....