About Joe

Joe Morales is a unique New Mexican woodcarver.

He was not born into a tradition of Santeros (saint makers) nor has he studied with any master artisans. Morales found his direction on his own, looking inward while at the same time, absorbing the vibrant cultural heritage of the Hispanic Southwest.

The art created by Morales does not easily fit into traditional New Mexican carving styles. His work exposes the raw emotions of a passionate artist. While other well-known Santeros craft objects with formal elegance or folk art like charm, Morales’s work stands alone. His figures are expressive and heartfelt, his approach to carving, inspired.

Joe Morales lives in a rural setting, about twenty minutes from the center of Santa Fe. Home is a large family compound where his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren surround him. Often when he is carving in the woodshop, a young great grandchild is there with him, looking on. The richness of his life is reflected in his sculptures. After a lifetime of carving, the artwork of Joe Morales remains energetic and engaging.

To contact Joe, send a note to his studio at this address.

30 Camino Torcido Loop Santa Fe, NM 87507

                          (all images on this site are protected by copyright and may only be used by permission)

figures

Joe Morales carves images of historic religious figures he admires.

The sculptures are created for the purest of motivations - the pleasure of the artistic process and to share his vision with others.

Every piece reflects this orientation, expressing the sentiments of a man committed to his art.

Crosses

When he carves, Joe Morales lets the wood speak, enhancing his art, giving meaning to the most traditional of forms.

His hand is evident on the surface of each cross, yet he never overpowers the wood, intuitively knowing its natural beauty will add richness to his carving.

Joe in his studio

Joseph Morales

Since his late teens, Joseph Junior has assisted his father in the woodshop. Today they collaborate on each sculpture from concept to completion. Remarkably they have developed an almost seamless hand, where the contributions of one are indistinguishable from that of the other.