Joe DeCamillis

Joe DeCamillis (born October 24, 1963 in Louisville, Kentucky) is a painter who has lived in Birmingham since 1995.

DeCamillis studied creative writing and literature at the University of Colorado and at UCLA. After completing his studies, he moved back to Denver and learned to draw and paint while restoring a vintage UltraVan. Once finished, he set off on a multi-year driving tour, selling paintings at outdoor art fairs to support himself. Using a list of UltraVan owners Joe had obtained, he found numerous welcoming hosts along the way. His paintings depicting interior vignettes of his hosts' homes, always unpopulated but often with evidence of recent occupation, became popular.

His work sold especially well at the Magic City Art Connection, and, in 1994,he decided to settle in Birmingham. His association with the art show led to "best of show" awards in 1995 and 2002, and merit awards in 1996, 1997, and 1999. David Moos curated a solo exhibition, entitled "Yourworld" at the Birmingham Museum of Art in 2000.

Inspired by the light, detail, and longevity of 16th-17th century miniatures painted on copper, DeCamillis turned to that medium, even challenging himself to create pieces smaller than postage stamps.

In 2002, Joe began an ongoing series named "A Drive-Thru America", using the visual language of the highway to give access to implied human stories. Drawing from his earlier creative writing days, his work now encorporates old books as a way to frame his detailed realistic small scale paintings.

Joe currently lives with his wife Allison in a historic home in the Crestwood neighborhood of Birmingham. He works out of his studio behind their home.

References

The Altered Object: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration By Terry Taylor Published by Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., 2007 ISBN 1579908799, 9781579908799 128 pages

External links

• Joe DeCamillis website