Joseph Bellacera

Previous Public Art Projects

Yes

Public, Private or Both

I have been commissioned by public agencies, private companies, and private individuals to create artwork for a variety of settings.

Artist Statement

By its very nature, public art means community involvement. I believe in becoming part of the community I serve, working closely to align my vision with community goals, using my artwork to create an environment that is uplifting -- stimulating not only to the senses, but also to the mind. I have worked with arts administrators, arts commissions, developers, community members, city managers, city planning officials, architects, interior designers, and art directors on various projects. I am aware of and pay attention to safety and maintenance issues. I am known to deliver on time, keep to budget, and communicate and coordinate with all parties.

I have had extensive experience collaborating with public and private institutions in creating site-specific public projects with over 150 realized commissions. I begin each commission by investigating the space, researching its use and the people who move through and interact in the environment. The design develops from this assessment, and each proposal is unique to the site and its visitors. I create both three-dimensional models and drawings to clearly illustrate my concepts. With approval or alteration, I begin the work and manage contractors and fabricators when needed to realize the final work.

Public Art Media

Most of my public artwork has been two-dimensional, sometimes with three-dimensional elements. My most recent ideas have included relief and free-standing sculptures. I use a wide array of materials and techniques. The substrate ranges from canvas and wood panels to concrete, plaster, metal, glass, and plexi-glass. I apply a variety of media including paints (water- and solvent-based), dyes, dry pigments, wax, and resin. Processes include welding, sand blasting, painting, staining, silkscreening, photography, and application of chemicals to create a variety of textures and colors. Working in transparent and semi-transparent media such as glass, plexi-glass, and resin facilitates overlays creating more variety of color and texture.

Previous Projects

University of California Medical Center, Sacramento, CA. Finalist ($100,000-150,000 proposal). Designed 18x24' paintings and wall relief for entry. 2009

University of California Medical Center, Sacramento, CA. Suites of images (about 40 pieces) for the hospital campus and other locations. 1998-2008

California Rice Growers Commission. Painting commission representing California's rice agriculture used to promote California's participation in the international rice trade. 2008

Renown Health Inc., Reno, NV. Lobby commission and suites of images (about 20 pieces) 2007-08

Kaiser Permanente, CA. Suites of images (about 70 pieces) for medical buildings and hospitals throughout the state. 1996-2008

York Law Corporation, Sacramento, CA. Lobby commission. 2007

Sacramento County Primary Care Clinic, Sacramento, CA. Waiting room commission. 2007

Embassy Suites, Sacramento, CA. Lobby Commission (four paintings). 2002

Hyatt Recency, Sacramento, CA. Lobby Commission (large entry painting). 2001

Carroll Burdick & McDonough Attorneys, Sacramento, CA. Lobby commission. 2001

California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) Building, Sacramento, CA. Finalist ($123,000 proposal). Led a three-member artist team and designed photo-collage/composites, ceiling works/mobiles, and freestanding sculpture. 2000

North Highlands-Antelope Library, Sacramento, CA. Finalist ($22,000 proposal). Led a three-member artist team and designed a floor-to-ceiling coil sculpture. 1999

Solano Mall, Fairfield, CA. Four expansive wall murals: 60x40' to 12x120' each. 1980s

Farmers' Savings, Dixon, CA. Lobby Commission Mural with wood and metal sculptural elements 16x32'. 1980s

Educational Background

1987 MFA, UC Santa Barbara, CA
1982 MA Art Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
1975 BA Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
1971-1973 Massachusetts College of Art, Boston