In tough times, artists have to be more creative and resourceful to get their work work exhibited. Bellevue sculptor Joseph L. Castle decided that if he could not have his work represented in the Wood River Valley, perhaps he could find other means to do so. He decided to call upon colleges and universities, and to his surprise, his biggest response was from Idaho schools.
His new show, "One Soul's Journey Into the Soul," is on exhibition at the Boise State University student union. The show will have an opening reception on Thursday, Feb. 10, from 4-6 p.m. in Boise.
The show is a series of bronze sculptures that integrate found objects that are mostly animal remains Castle has found in the Wood River Valley. Castle reconfigured the parts into his sculptures.
"One Soul's Journey Into the Soul" was conceived by Castle's fascination with tribal shamanism and mythical themes in the works of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung. Castle interprets his own life through six sculptures that represent various stages of his personal growth from struggle to self-discovery.
"I've worked on this for five years," Castle said. "I want to teach people that new transformation can be received in different mediums. This work is about me and my coming-of-age story."
The exhibition will be on display for six months, after which it will travel throughout Idaho and elsewhere, including to the College of Southern Idaho, Idaho State University and Lewis and Clark State College.
"I'm excited," Castle said. "It's nice to see Idaho accept something a little out of character. They took a leap of faith for a body of work that had not been tested."
Each piece in the show reflects a period in Castle's life in 13 stages. The last piece is about his wife, Michelle, and their new twins.
"Forging new territory is what this is all about," Castle said. "I believe that as an artist, I am a storyteller."
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
“Finding Home” by Joseph L. Castle. Bronze sculpture at the Boise State Student Union.
