“Separated Series”

By Gerry Groeber

Joe Ray

Joe Ray is a visual artist as well as a creative director, illustrator, writer and storyteller living in Scottsdale. He was born in San Luis, R.C., Sonora, Mexico and grew up in western Arizona on the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Reservation in Poston Arizona. His work reflects a colorful bi-cultural perspective formed by the Arizona and Mexico regions. His work has been in a variety of exhibits and publications throughout the U.S. and Mexico.

Ray’s work evokes color and passion, much of his subject matter includes Corazones (hearts), which are filled with love, lust, passion and emotion. Joe’s work also features voluptuous Sirenas, as well as Angels and the occasional masked Luchador. Much of his work reflects a bicultural perspective, which was shaped by the Arizona and Mexico region, as well as the people living in this area. A small black & white television set blurred reality and imagination, as well as language for the artist. These are the people and places that have inspired him, especially the Sirenas and the Angels.

When asked about his work Ray affirms, “I’m easily inspired and amused. Growing up in rural western Arizona, I know and appreciate that this is a place with quite a bit of dust, rocks and great sunsets. Colorful sunsets make for colorful dreams, and a colorful imagination. These colors are real and filled with dreams, love, lust, passion, and emotion.”

“Four Chambers”

By Joe Ray

Acrylic and Glitter on Canvas, 48”x48”, 2023, $4000