By Carol Fisher Linn
“… explore what it means to be truly human, through the lens of ornithological illustrations”
The greatest thing about writing biographies is meeting the interesting people attached to them. Allow me to introduce you to Joseph Grice, a multi-disciplined artist from Jamestown, NY. Having taught fine art at Infinity Visual and Performing Arts in Jamestown, Holt School of Fine Art in Charlotte, NC, Grice currently continues to teach workshops at Chautauqua Art Gallery in Jamestown.
In a recent conversation with Grice prior to the August 21st opening of his current exhibition “Reverence” at the Patterson Library Octagon Gallery, 40 West Portage St. in Westfield, NY, (through September 18) it was evident that the man is in love with the process of making his bird art. Although influenced by Jamestown naturalist, Roger Tory Peterson, whose art was intended for identification and public education rather than fine art, Grice hopes to also tell a story with his bird art, still with accurate depictions of birds but with unique backgrounds or poses that tell a story that observers might relate to. In his words, he “bridges the gap between science and contemporary art” while telling a story with his subject. Grice says he “aims to reflect traits and emotions that we see in ourselves through the birds that surround us.” As with Petersen whose goal was to teach the public how to recognize and fall in love with birds so they would protect them, Grice also wants to have his patrons fall in love with the local birds of Chautauqua County.
“My bird paintings are a tether between the natural world, and human emotion. Each piece represents a moment in time in a story both untold, and well known. Bravery, wisdom, strength, beauty, and joy are among the traits portrayed in these anthropomorphic characters. They are reflections of ourselves, displaying characteristics that we can admire and live up to. They represent a reminder that clarity can come from the smallest of moments, and that we are all connected to nature in profound ways. These bird portraits explore what it means to be truly human, through the lens of ornithological illustrations.”
ARTIST STATEMENT:
“My bird paintings are a tether between the natural world, and human emotion. Each piece represents a moment in time in a story both untold, and well known. Bravery, wisdom, strength, beauty, and joy are among the traits portrayed in these anthropomorphic characters. They are reflections of ourselves, displaying characteristics that we can admire and live up to. They represent a reminder that clarity can come from the smallest of moments, and that we are all connected to nature in profound ways. These bird portraits explore what it means to be truly human, through the lens of ornithological illustrations.”
Twenty-six works, created between 2023 and present time make up the exhibition. It’s a first for this grouping to be gathered as one for this solo show. Versed in all mediums, Grice prefers doing his bird paintings in oils. Oils offer him the opportunity to add more texture and depth to his works, but he also does watercolors, charcoal and digital works. Some of the digital pieces can be seen at this exhibition.
Grice has displayed his work in galleries and museums in New York, Vermont, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia, North Carolina, and California. In 2026, Grice was awarded a NYSCA (NYS Council of Arts) grant sponsored by Arts Services Inc. for an upcoming mural project representing birds and landscapes of our region (and the impact of art on the community) to be displayed outside of Chautauqua Art Gallery, in Jamestown, NY with an unveiling and public artist discussion at the gallery later in the fall (date tbd).
The swallows in the fall scene suggest to me that they are ready to lock feet and tumble downward as they vie for a perfect perching spot to watch for insects. Or, they could be just two youngsters practicing their twists, turns and dives to perfect their insect catching techniques. Whatever their purpose, their antics are delightful to behold and remind me of favorite pets or children playing.
The painting of the cardinal hits deep as cardinals often do for people who are dealing with grief. When a very dear friend died with me at her side three years ago, a cardinal spent the entire year and more visiting at a window directly by my desk where I sat daily to write. It literally flung itself into the window and could be found there any time during the day that I searched for her. Her sister claimed it was her, thanking me for being her death doula. Folklore says, “when you see a cardinal, an angel is near.” Universally, people regard birds as messengers, weaving them into all forms of art, fables, or family lore.
See a stunning raven and more of Grice’s work online or you can buy a painting /print at the Chautauqua Art Gallery. JosephGriceArt@gmail.com. Facebook Joseph Grice Art Instagram @joseph_grice_art. For more information about the exhibition call 716-326-2154.
“I would like to paint the way a bird sings” – Claude Monet