Joyce Crain

Joyce Crain uses the microchip as a metaphor for today’s technological society. Linking art to the worlds of science and technology, these collage-like constructions are inspired by microscopic views of microchips and celebrate the formal visual beauty of computer technology.

"The rich surface patterns she creates possess a striking aesthetic beauty and evoke a haunting impression."

Nina Stritzler, Curator "Aesthetics of Excess" Museum of Arts and Design

These works consist of dichroic acrylic shapes strung on lines and suspended to create cascades of light. They are objects of wonderment; myriads of light squares glowing in a continuous effervescence.

These works are city views seen through the technology of the 21st century. These abstract interpretations of aerial and satellite photographs allow us to see our world in new ways.

"The way that Joyce Crain engages both a macro and micro sense of the world in her aerial works is quite amazing. The combination of color and iridescence speaks of microchips and information exchange, and the fact that these are aerial views of cities, begs one to contemplate order, perceived chaos, and ultimately, pattern… how that pattern is inevitable, at all magnifications."

Ben Johnson, curator, Tohono Chul Park, Tucson, AZ

In these imaginary gardens, Joyce Crain endeavors to envelop the viewer in a lush and sensual environment that creates an evocative atmosphere. Patterned architectural shapes are contrasted with glimpses of garden imagery.

"I have many artworks in my collection, but Joyce Crain's are the ones that inspire the most awe and commentary from my visitors. They add beauty to my home and stir conversation with guests. And for me personally, they have a meditative quality that is inspirational and calming."

Susan Henry, Collector

Joyce Crain’s journey begins by scanning aerial views of natural landscapes like a volcano, a desert, or a mountain range and then adds pieces that are close in color and pattern to transform them into her own imaginary places. She then scans the collage into the computer and makes enhancements before printing it. In this way, she combines the handmade with technology, a constant theme in her artwork.

These collages are inspired by walls of posters that Joyce Crain saw during trips to Europe.

Particle Array is a series of modules that can be arranged in different ways for different spaces. Each module is a powder-coated steel grid with a one inch square of acrylic suspended in each opening. Shadows and reflections change continuously with the intensity, angle, and type of light.

There are two styles: Radiant with dichroic acyrlic squares and Confetti with multicolored acyrlic squares.