Joël Urruty was born in 1968 in San Francisco, California, to Basque immigrants from the South of France. He is a distinguished sculptor known for his abstract and figurative works in wood, bronze, and stone. Urruty’s artistic journey is deeply influenced by his cultural heritage and his formal education in design and woodworking.

Education and Early Career

• 1992: Urruty earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from San Francisco State University.
• 1992-1993: He apprenticed under David J. Marks, a Master Craftsman, which significantly honed his skills in woodworking.
• 1996: He completed a Master of Fine Arts in Woodworking and Furniture Design from the School of American Crafts at Rochester Institute of Technology.
  
  

Artistic Style and Mediums

Joël Urruty’s work is characterized by its minimalist aesthetic, focusing on form, line, and space. He often abstracts the human figure to its essential elements, using monochromatic colors like black and white to emphasize form over material. His sculptures are known for their elegant simplicity and emotional resonance.

Exhibitions

Urruty’s sculptures have been exhibited internationally in numerous prestigious galleries and museums. Some of his notable exhibitions include:

• 2001: The World Competition of Arts and Crafts, Kanazawa, Japan
• 2004: “Cut it Out” at Fuller Craft Museum, Brockville, MA
• 2006: Smithsonian Craft Show, Washington, DC
• 2007: “Shy Boy, She Devil and Isis: The Art of Conceptual Craft” at the Museum of Fine Art, Boston, MA
• 2010: “A Quiet Voice” solo show at Hickory Museum of Art, Hickory, NC
• 2013: Smithsonian Craft Show, Washington, DC
• 2015: “Interconnected: Tangible Dualities by Joël Urruty” at Hickory Museum of Art, Hickory, NC
• 2017: Architectural Digest Home Design Show, NYC, NY
  
  

Awards and Honors

Joël Urruty has received numerous awards throughout his career, recognizing his excellence in sculpture and craftsmanship:

• 1996: Art and Design American Craft Scholarship, Rochester Institute of Technology
• 1999: Richard Guggenheim Award, Best in 3D, Abington Art Center, Abington, PA
• 2000: Merit Award, Images 200, Robeson Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
• 2004: Residency Fellowship, International Turning Exchange, Wood Turning Center, Philadelphia, PA
• 2008: Award of Excellence in Wood, Palm Beach Craft Show
• 2012: Merit Award, Caldwell Sculpture Celebration
• 2013: Best in Show, Hickory Art Museum, “Road Trip”
• 2014: Regional Arts Project Grant, United Arts Council of Catawba County
  
  

Permanent Collections

Urruty’s work is part of several permanent museum collections, including:

• Museum of Fine Art, Boston, MA
• Asheville Art Museum, Asheville, NC
• Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu, HI
  
  

Selected Clients

His sculptures are also featured in various prestigious private collections and institutions, such as:

• Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, VA
• Essex House, NY, NY
• Setai Hotel, NY, NY
• City of Hickory, Sally Fox Park, Hickory, NC
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Tiffany & Co.
  
  

Conclusion

Joël Urruty continues to create and exhibit his work from his base in Western North Carolina. His dedication to exploring the interplay of form and space in his sculptures has earned him a respected place in the contemporary art world.