Music

Joe Batt has performed music in many places in the Northwest and Midwest. Years of rock have lead to folk and old-time experimentation. In addition to recording projects done with previous bands, he has released two solo records of original songs.

If you are interested in hearing more of these songs please email jobatart@yahoo.com

You’ll Be Glad 2012 – Copyright Joe Batt

Listen to “Ed Kienholz’s Underwear” off of “You’ll Be Glad”

Golden Boy 2016 – Copyright Joe Batt

Listen to “High” off of “Golden Boy”

The mixed media collages are multilayered compositions, or studies, using photographs of my drawings, clay pieces, and installations. These are done using an application on a tablet or a Mac. They began as a kind of scrapbook process to capture the temporary excitement of drawing on a gallery wall, or seeing the same installation work in different spaces. The digital collages illuminate some of the magical, creative process that leads to the finished pieces and which might continue beyond them.

Why hares? My first encounters with these hopping lagomorphs were as a child living in South Dakota. They were quick, fearless, and timid. They could endure the cold, and they seemed to never sleep. Many years later I continue to return to the physical form of the hare and the wild nature of the animal to speak on human terms about innocence, endurance, and perhaps explore our relationship with nature.

I’ve been inspired by narrative ceramic art of Edith Garcia and Arthur Gonzalez. It’s hard to miss the Robert Arneson and California Funk influence in my small glazed marauders. Cement figure sculptor Isaac Cordal’s work also fascinates me. Lately I’m amazed by the large mixed media pieces of Bordalo II (Artur Bordalo).

I’m fortunate to get endless inspiration from teaching young artists, and working with talented colleagues every day. I’m grateful for the rich creative engagement of artists and art lovers in Olympia and the region.